MINERS Rest’s World War One memorial was re-dedicated on Sunday after its relocation and restoration.
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The move was part of the Miners Rest community development project and also included the construction of an Avenue of Honour, with 25 trees planted for the 25 fallen soldiers during World War One.
The Catafalque Party set the tone, marching to the cenotaph and standing surrounding it until the ceremonies
end.
Miners Rest Lions Club president Yvonne Ross said it marked the end of phase one of the redevelopment of the community park.
“The war memorial was by the road so there wasn’t a proper place to gather by it, which was quite dangerous,” Ms Ross said.
She said the cenotaph and been taken away and cleaned, and needed to be re-dedicated.
“This is a great asset to the community which we’ll use for year to come.”
She had planted one of the trees in the Avenue of Honour with Bill Loader last year, who’s grandfather was one of the Miners Rest community members killed in World War One.
“There are still a few people in the area with connections to the people on the cenotaph who we remember.”
Ms Ross said it was a respectful ceremony and said the area would be a great asset for further ceremonies in the coming years.
“It’s good to see these things happening in Miners Rest, as we are a growing community that is existing with not a lot of its own infrastructure.”
Other work to be completed in the area includes adding seating around the memorial, linking the area through to Macarthur Park and tidying up the playground.
City of Ballarat manager of community engagement Peter Appleton said the work allowed the community members to remember fallen soldiers from World One in an appropriate place.
He said cypress tress had been removed to help make the memorial the focal point.
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au