BLACKALL WAR MEMORIAL TO BE RESTORED

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten has announced the Blackall Memorial Park will be refurbished.

Mr Schwarten said the Government will provide a dollar-for-dollar subsidy of $11,750 to the Blackall Shire Council to help pay for work on the memorial and surrounds through a subsidy from the Queensland Government’s Community Memorials Restoration Program.

Mr Schwarten said the Blackall Memorial Park formed a focal point for local commemorative services.

“The park is used all year by locals and visitors, and serves as the venue for annual services marking ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day,” he said.

“In many suburbs and towns around Queensland, the war memorial is a poignant reminder of the sacrifice so many have made,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Regional towns like Blackall often suffered greatly from the effect of wars, since any life lost was felt more keenly in small, close-knit communities.

“Maintaining these reminders of the extraordinary sacrifice of our servicemen and women in areas of conflict is hugely important for future generations.

Completed in 1925 to commemorate those who died in World War One, the Memorial Park and Cenotaph have since been further developed to honour servicemen and women who lost their lives in World War Two.

The Government subsidy will help pay for repairs to the Cenotaph and pathway, a new wall made from local rock on which plaques will be mounted.

“We understand that regional councils and community organisations can face budgetary constraints in these projects.

“That’s why the Queensland Government is pleased to partner with the Blackall Shire Council to ensure their memorial is restored to its rightful condition,” he said.

The Community Memorials Restoration Program, now in its third year, has provided almost $1,157,300 in dollar-for-dollar subsidies to councils and community organisations to help restore historic monuments and other local icons around the State.

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