Family members of Ballarat’s only Victoria Cross recipient, Corporal William Dunstan, visited the former Golden Point State School yesterday to unveil a memorial in his honour.
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The memorial acknowledged all former pupils of the school, including Corporal Dunstan, who served their country in times of conflict.
Noted former journalist son Keith Dunstan and grandson David Dunstan spoke at the plaque’s unveiling, noting the hard work of Best Community Development, Garry Snowden and the financial assistance of the Federal Government in achieving the memorial.
Corporal Dunstan was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in defending a recently-captured trench at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, during 1915.
He returned to pursue a successful career in business and died in 1957, aged 61.
David Dunstan said the family deeply appreciated the effort the community had gone to in creating the commemorative plaque at his grandfather’s former school.
“It’s also a gratifying thing that you are remembering all the other boys who served in the wars as well,” he told the crowd.
Keith Dunstan said his father’s greatest test came when he received his VC at Parliament House – after which he retreated to a nearby hotel to avoid the crowds.
“He wasn’t frightened when facing the turks, but terribly frightened when facing the people of Melbourne and the reporters at the time,” he said.
“We have never been to Golden Point State School before, so you can imagine how terribly exciting this is for us.”
Helping to unveil the plaque yesterday, Member for Ballarat Catherine King congratulated the work of Best Community Development and Garry Snowden in their work on the project.
Ms King said it was vitally important to remember all members of the Ballarat community who served in conflict around the
world.
“This is a very important thing to do... not to lose that very significant history that is a part of who we are
today.”
jordan.oliver@fairfaxmedia.com.au
