$1M for ANZAC memorial to be delivered in Maryborough

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced $1 million in funding to the Queen’s Park Military Trail Project Committee for stage two of the Fraser Coast Military Trail ‘Gallipoli to Armistice’ in Maryborough.

Speaking from Maryborough where her Cabinet is Governing from Wide Bay, the Premier said she was pleased to support this important regional project that will no doubt be a fitting tribute to our First World War service personnel, and become a unique destination in Queensland.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the impetus for the project in Maryborough was to honour former resident Major Duncan Chapman, who was the first Australian to land on the shores of Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.

“The community raised funds for a bronze statue of Major Chapman in Queen’s park, Maryborough,” he said.

“A committee led by former Fraser Coast Chronicle editor Nancy Bates, and supported by Maryborough RSL, has brought forward a proposal for a $3.2 million project to honour the service and sacrifices of the First World War,” he said.

“I have discussed it with the Premier and highlighted the historical significance with Major Chapman’s role at Gallipoli and how fitting it would be honour the ANZAC Centenary by supporting the project.”

“On behalf of the people of Maryborough, I welcome the Premier’s announcement.   

“The project will include depictions of the cliffs of Gallipoli and events on the Western Front, a memorial commemorating the Battle of Pozieres, and the bronze statue of Duncan Chapman, is expected to continue to draw a steady stream of visitors to the area.

“As Queenslanders, we can be proud that it was Duncan Chapman, a Maryborough man, who led the ANZACs on their noble charge into history, as the first man ashore at Gallipoli,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Projects such as the Fraser Coast Military Trail play an important role in the 2014-2018 Anzac Centenary, to help carry on the ANZAC spirit and traditions we are so proud of for another 100 years.”

For more information on the Queensland ANZAC Centenary visit www.qld.gov.au/anzac100 or www.facebook.com.au/anzaccentenaryqld

Images of the Duncan Chapman memorial may be found below:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ecrp5ocwbr0vjgk/AACyiRoAGStWS6ibB7TNtjpWa?dl=0

Media Contact:  Michelle Wellington   0437 323 799