A new memorial wall and dais in Warwick’s Leslie Park will help ensure the Southern Downs’ rich military history is preserved for future generations.
Southern Downs Regional Council has partnered with the Warwick Community Development ANZAC Memorial Committee (WCDAMC) to build the memorial honouring those that have served in the armed forces. The WCDAMC raised nearly $94,000 in grants and donations for the project, including a $10,000 grant from SDRC and a $9900 grant from the Federal Member for Maranoa, the Hon David Littleproud MP. WCDAMC also received $35,000 from the Community Benefit Gambling Fund grant program.
Councillor for Economic Development, Regional Promotion and Tourism Rod Kelly—and WCDAMC committee member—said the memorial wall and dais adds to the region’s already impressive ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations. “The Warwick Community Development ANZAC Memorial Committee first organised in early 2016 with Johnno Felton as the Chairperson and we have been planning this project since then,” Cr Kelly said. “We have very dedicated members that have worked hard fundraising and finding the resources needed to complete this important project. Along with the new March of the Dungarees Memorial, the memorial wall and dais now make Leslie Park a centre for residents and visitors wanting to learn more about our region’s military history.”
Construction of the sandstone memorial wall and dais commenced in September 2018 and was completed earlier last month. Federal Member for Maranoa, the Hon David Littleproud MP, officially dedicated the memorial along with Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie.
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