The memorial currently honours the names of WW1 veterans however does not acknowledge the contribution of local nurses or indigenous people to the defence of Australia and the project aims to address that.
New memorial panels will be designed and installed as part of the project which will commemorate the service of all Mooroopna and Ardmona soldiers and nurses during WW2, Vietnam and Korean Wars.
Council is asking the community to identify and put forward the names of anyone they know of who served and were either born in, enlisted in or returned to Mooroopna or Ardmona areas so that they can be considered for inclusion on the memorial panels.
If you are aware of anyone who should be included we ask that these be sent via the following email addresses;
- barry.campbell@mac.com
- lance.james@raclimited.com.au (for indigenous soldiers/nurses)
It is requested that these be sent through before Tuesday 8 October 2019.
The project also includes the installation of lighting and new pathways, enhancing the ambience of the space and allowing for the memorial site to be accessible and safe for all users.
Greater Shepparton City Council Director Infrastructure Phil Hoare said this was an honourable project for the community.
“We are proud to be working on this project due to its significance for the local community and paying recognition to all those who have served,” Mr Hoare said.
“The estimated cost of the project is $200,000. In May this year Council was awarded $50,000 by the State Government through the Victoria Remembers Grant Program and we plan for the project to be completed before Anzac Day 2020.”
Greater Shepparton Mayor Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said all local veterans and nurses deserve to be remembered.
“It is important we pay recognition and honour our families, friends and visitors who have made ultimate sacrifices to serve our nation,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“Mooroopna is a diverse community and is home to many war veterans and ancestors of people who fought at war. We are tremendously thankful to obtain funding to upgrade the Mooroopna War Memorial and show our regions pride.”
Council has partnered with the members of the Mooroopna Rotary Club for the project. They have been working passionately assisting with fundraising and collecting information for the memorial.
For those that do not have access to emails or wish to seek further information on the project, please phone Council on 5832 9700
