Memorial Park Near Completion

Cohuna will have a memorial park to be proud of when the current project on the lawns of the shire complex is completed. At the site are memorials for World Wars One and Two, the Vietnam War, and a memorial dedicated to lesser known conflicts and peacekeeping roles of Australian servicemen and servicewomen. 

The memorials have been erected over recent years and are now connected by paving, allowing ease of access to all members of the community. Further enhancements will be carried out by the shire including improved pedestrian access and a section of footpath.

Cohuna/Leitchville RSL president, Geoff Dale, said, “Combined in the same precinct are all the memorials; the cenotaph, the Memorial Hall with the honour boards, the supper room with the Mead District memorial, and the four memorials now in the Memorial Park.” 

Gannawarra Shire Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Stacy Williams, said, “Landscaping around the edges of the memorials will contain low shrubs and some additional trees, which seeks to soften the area without restricting access. Bench seating will be installed to allow people to pause and reflect, and to provide somewhere to sit during services for those who cannot stand for extended periods.

 “These works, including the installation of pavers depicting the logos of the three arms of Australia’s defence forces along with the RSL logo, will be completed in the coming weeks.

 “Funding for the project was supported by $73,000 from Council’s first allocation from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme - Extension, with Council contributing $15,000. The adjacent footpath works are funded from Council’s operating budget.”

The project is nearing completion and its first official use will be on Anzac Day as well as other ceremonial days such as Remembrance Day and Vietnam Day. The Memorial Park is included on the Cohuna and District Historical Society’s town walk brochure.