ATHERTON’S SOLDIER STATUE TO GET ITS GUN REPLACED

Atherton’s War Memorial soldier will soon be restored, thanks to a subsidy grant from the Queensland Government’s Community Memorials Restoration Program.

Mr Schwarten says the Atherton War Memorial statue is one of only a few of its kind in the State and the funding would provide a $5,000, dollar for dollar grant to Atherton Shire Council to restore the gun and bayonet to the damaged monument.

“This historic soldier statue is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register and the Register of the National Estate. It tells a very real story about the service and sacrifice made by people in the region and is part of the fabric of Atherton,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Repairing this statue to its original condition not only preserves an important historic monument for the town, but also restores the dignity of the memorial as a focal point for ANZAC and Remembrance Day services.

Atherton’s soldier statue and monument was erected in 1942. The soldier’s rifle and bayonet have been missing for many years. These funds will be used to pay for a new rifle and bayonet cast in powder coated aluminium to be put back on the statue. The statue will also be repainted and damaged lettering repaired.

The Community Memorials Restoration Program is in its third year and has provided close to $1, 157,300 in dollar for dollar subsidies to local governments and community organisations for restoration of historic monuments and community icons around the State.

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