Artworks, native plants give Windsor memorial an indigenous touch

THE contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women in war is being recognised at a Brisbane memorial.

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.

THE First Australians’ role in WWI will be recognised at a Windsor war memorial on Anzac Day.

As part of a $12,000 State Government Anzac Centenary Grants Program upgrade, the memorial will help commemorate the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women have played in conflicts with new flagpoles and indigenous art panels, painted by senior students at the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School in Acacia Ridge.

Windsor and District Historical Society member Gem Cowlishaw said native plants used by indigenous people would also be planted at the memorial site’s fig tree and rosemary bushes.

“The upgrade signified the participation of indigenous people in WWI and subsequent conflicts,” she said.

An additional upgrade will increase paving around the flagpoles.

Ms Cowlishaw said the April 25 ceremony would bring together students from Windsor State School and St Mary of the Cross school plus TS Paluma cadets and the Salvation Army band for the expected crowd of 500.

“The best bit is seeing this all come together for Anzac Day,” she said.

The ceremony will be held at 9am with a morning tea, including tea and coffee and Anzac biscuits and a sausage sizzle, to be hosted at the nearby Windsor Council Chambers.

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.

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 Artworks, native plants give Windsor memorial an indigenous touch