Artwork a permanent reminder of the efforts of our servicemen and women

A THREE-dimensional piece of art at Greenbank RSL will ensure the bravery of soldiers past and present will never be forgotten.

Logan City Councillor Laurie Smith (Division 7) with Greenbank RSL representatives and RSL Queensland president Terry Meehan at the unveiling of the Anzac artwork.

ARTWORK installed at Greenbank RSL to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the landing of Gallipoli is set to become a landmark for Logan City.

The three-dimensional sculpture by Tamborine Mountain artist Jacques van der Merwe was unveiled on April 1 by Councillor Laurie Smith (Div 7) and Queensland RSL president Terry Meehan.

Cr Smith said the artwork depicted Australian and New Zealand troops rising from the trenches during the Gallipoli battle.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served out country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

Each of the 60-odd pieces of the steel structure was individually created and, like a puzzle, pieced together.

“When you step back and view it from a distance the artwork comes to life and what you will see is an image of our soldiers, complete with weapons, running in formation, as they did when they landed at what is now Anzac Cove,” Cr Smith said.

“The contribution our Anzacs made to this great country of ours should always be remembered and I feel this unique artwork is a fitting commemoration.

“There is nothing else like this in southeast Queensland and I believe it will see Greenbank RSL become a focal point for young and old to come and reflect and remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice in past conflicts — from Gallipoli to the current crisis.”

Mr Meehan said the artwork would be “something to treasure for some time to come”.

“It will give people somewhere to reflect; the images of the Anzacs rising from the trenches is simply magnificent and something that will make people stop and think,” he said.

The $85,000 project was funded by Cr Smith and Greenbank RSL.

Cr Smith and Mr Meehan were confident the artwork would be a drawcard for this year’s Anzac Day commemorations with between 10,000 to 15,000 people expected to attend the club’s services.

“It was certainly money well spent — this is something that will become a landmark for this city,” Cr Smith said.

THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspapers’ 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland WWI heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during WWI, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Artwork a permanent reminder of the efforts of our servicemen and women