Kingborough Council is currently seeking community feedback, on behalf of the Kingston Beach RSL Sub Branch, for a new war memorial at Kingston Beach.
Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Paula Wriedt said Kingston Beach RSL Sub Branch wanted to update the current memorial to better acknowledge the sacrifices of those who suffered and lost their lives in war.
“The proposed new memorial will be located on the same site of the Gallipoli marker which sits across the road from the Salty Dog at Kingston Beach,” Cr Wriedt said.
“This is the location where services are currently held.
“The current Kingston War Memorial on the corner of Channel Highway and Freeman Street is not a suitable location to conduct large services.
“Large numbers of people now attend commemorative events and the area needs to be more accessible.
“The new memorial is proposed for Kingston Beach which has better access for all.
“The Kingston Beach RSL Sub Branch is proposing two options for the replacement and they want to hear which one the community prefers.
“Council is hosting the survey and will feed back the results by the end of October 2022.”
Kingston Beach RSL Sub Branch Secretary, David Taylor said the two bronze plaques from the existing Gallipoli marker, would be relocated onto the base of the new memorial.
“2023 will mark the 50th year of the last Australian personnel to leave Vietnam after the war,” Mr Taylor said.
“The Kingston Beach RSL Sub Branch thinks it is very important to have the war memorial dedicated in this year.”
Mayor Wriedt said Council had agreed to conduct the public engagement with the RSL agreeing to pay for the design and construction of the memorial at Kingston Beach.
The Council survey will be open until October 26.
The proposed options are:
1. Sandstone Panels:
• The structure consists of three sandstone panels.
• 1.5m high, approximately 2m wide with black granite services badges inset into them (420mm x 420mm each).
2. Obelisk:
• Polished black and grey granite.
• 3.38m high.
• With three services badges engraved on three sides of the lower back section.
