The legacy of the Granite Belt’s First World War soldiers will live on for generations with Southern Downs Regional Council undertaking restoration works on the Stanthorpe Soldiers Memorial.
Proudly supported by the Queensland Government and jointly funded by the Stanthorpe Returned and Services League (RSL) Sub Branch, the restoration works have been made possible thanks to more than $34,000 in funding from the Queensland Government’s Queensland Anzac Centenary grants program. The memorial was built in 1925 to 1926 to honour the soldiers from the district who took part in World War I. At the time, it was funded by public donation and in 1995 was added to the Queensland Heritage Register.
The memorial is a favourite place of reflection for locals and tourists and Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said the upcoming works would ensure the building could be enjoyed for years to come. “The Stanthorpe Soldiers Memorial is a unique and treasured sanctuary to reflect upon those who made the ultimate sacrifice; I’m delighted these works are being undertaken,” she said. “It’s vital we preserve this important history and it’s a large part of our heritage and local identity. This is a sacred spot for many local families and we need to ensure it remains that way for future generations.”
Dobie said works included conservation treatment of bronze plaques and maintenance repairs to the building as well as the Wunderlich pressed metal ceiling. “The conservation treatment of the bronze plaques is specialised work and as such the plaques need to be removed and sent away for treatment,” Dobie said. The works are expected to take approximately two months and the building will be closed to the public during that time, with temporary fencing surrounding the structure. The Queensland Anzac Centenary grants program prioritises projects focused on commemorating the First World War.
The Queensland Government established the program to help communities commemorate the Australian Centenary of the First World War, and the outstanding service and sacrifice of Queensland’s men and women.
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