Donations roll in, more cash needed to rehome Craigieburn war memorial stone

GENEROUS donations are fuelling a campaign to help relocate this war memorial in Melbourne’s northwest to a permanent home after almost a decade.

Liz Ronson from PEET with Anzac day vetran, Bert Foster, Neville Young and John Lynch at the present war memorial at the Craigieburn SES headquarters

GENEROUS donations are fuelling a campaign to help relocate the Craigieburn war memorial to its new home.

Monday’s Anzac Day service is expected to be the last held at the Craigieburn SES unit, which has served as a temporary custodian of the memorial stone since 2008.

A permanent monument will soon be featured within the developing Craigieburn Park precinct, scheduled to take place ahead of the 2017 service.

But with the project likely to cost $100,000 — half of which has been covered by Hume Council — the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee is looking to the community to help fund the remaining costs.

President Kevin O’Callaghan said a $4000 donation from developer Peet had been a good start.

“We’re working very hard; we made a commitment with the council that, come the end of July, whatever funds we’ve got is what we’re going to move forward with,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“We’re well on track, we believe, to have a memorial service in 2017.

“We’re all looking forward to it being in its unique site.”

Large crowds have gathered at the Craigieburn SES unit each Anzac Day since 2008 in the lead-up to a permanent home being found. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano.

Peet Limited managing director and chief executive Brendan Gore said the organisation, through its Aston estate, was pleased to support the initiative and other partnerships countrywide that “recognise and support defence personnel and their families”.

“I’m sure the new war memorial will provide an important and significant place of remembrance for the whole Craigieburn community,” he said.

Contributions have also been made by the Craigieburn Sporting Club, Craigieburn South Primary School, Craigieburn Bowling Club and Craigieburn branch of the Country Women’s Association.

Donations can be made online or addressed to PO Box 72 until July 31.

For details, email [e-mail].