Public invited to comment on proposed Wondai war memorial project

A South Burnett RSL sub-branch is planning a major memorial site overhaul and is calling on residents to have their say on the design.

Proposed memorial by the Wondai RSL

The Wondai RSL Sub-Branch is calling on residents to share their opinions on a proposed new war memorial for the town.

The initiative seeks to accommodate the increasing crowds at Anzac Day and other commemoration services, which have surpassed the capacity of the current location.

Wondai RSL secretary David Scrimgeour said the RSL had a lease for land between the Wondai Diggers memorial and Citizens Club Inc. and the Wondai Memorial Swimming Pool, which they believed would be an ideal location.

A painting and a small mock-up of the proposed memorial are currently on display at the Wondai Diggers Club for interested residents to view.

A painting of the proposed memorial by the Wondai RSL.

“We are looking for any suggestions from the community as to what they would like to see,” Mr Scrimgeour said.

Mr Scrimgeour highlighted several issues with the current site, noting the increasing crowds that gathered for ceremonies, which created traffic problems and safety concerns.

“This year I had to walk around the road advising people to move off the road as the controllers were trying to open the road to traffic after the ceremony,” he said.

Wondai War Memorial. Photo: SBRC.

The current area’s limited space and lack of shelter have also posed challenges, particularly for aged veterans and cadets who suffered from heat stress during recent events.

The proposed memorial site offers a larger space and plans for sheltered seating to alleviate these issues.

Due to the age and condition of the existing monument, it would remain in its current location for wreath-laying purposes.

While it is still early in the planning stages, Mr Scrimgeour noted some positive feedback from the community and the promise of support from businesses and individuals willing to contribute to the project.

“We will be obtaining grants to fund the project as it progresses,” he said.

Veteran Day: Vietnam War Veterans at the Wondai Veteran Day Service.

To further involve the community, the Wondai RSL has scheduled a community meeting on June 27 at 2pm in the Wondai Diggers Club Hall.

All residents are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on the proposed memorial.

Originally published as Public invited to comment on proposed Wondai war memorial project