Poona ANZAC War Memorial

About

Dedicated on 28 October 2011, this new memorial is unique in that it commemorates the 'ANZAC' connection. Equally it commemorates the service and sacrifice of both Australia and New Zealand in times of war and peace. The memorial consists of a granite plinth, set on concrete slab base, flanked by twin flagpoles. To the left side of the memorial, a shade structure exists, to offer a quiet place for relection and/or the location for the lecturn for remembrance and commemorative events. A simple memorial form, the symbolism of the 'ANZAC' connection is evident on the front and reverse of the speckled granite facades. On the front portion, the words 'LEST WE FORGET', surmount two bronze plaques representing Australia and New Zealand, with Australian tri-service crest and New Zealand Defence Force crest. On the reverse aspect of the memorial and facing the commemorative flag poles, is the word 'ANZAC'. The granite appearance symbolises strength in service and the highly polished appearance affords this modern style memorial the reverance that it deserves. The 'wave' formation on the top aspect of the memorial, symbolises the 'beach' or spiritual location of the birth of the ANZAC Spirit at Gallipoli. Twin flag poles at the flanks of the memorial fly the Australian and New Zealand flags. Additional Information The development of the Poona ANZAC War Memorial was begun in 2009 by the Poona Community Progress Association. Following extensive community consultation, a master plan was developed to suit the requirements to satisfy the need for a commemorative precinct. A project sub-committee was formed by members of the community and from scratch a memorial designed was drafted. In addition a fund raising and development plan was formulated, which eventually included assistance through grants by the Department of Veterans Affairs Saluting Their Service program, and the very fine support of the local Federal Member for Wide Bay and leader of the Federal National Party, Mr Warren Truss. In addition, grants were received from the Queensland Government and the Fraser Coast Regional Council which assisted by allocating land for the memorial refurbishing the memorial space and waiving associated council fees and charges. To assist with the provision of the memorial flagpoles, the Maryborough RSL Sub-Branch was forthcoming. To ensure the completion of the project the local Poona community undertook fund raising to ensure the outstanding funds were found. The memorial was unveiled by Mr Warren Truss MP and then dedicated and consecrated by Reverend Peter Devenish-Meares, in the presence of Mr Keith Payne VC, OAM. To finalise the war memoprial project two plaques will be erected on the adjacent shelter, with Council permission, to commemorate the official unveiling, and the other acknowledging all those who contributed to the fund raising and construction. In addition, it is planned to plant a Lone Pine seedling, presently being cared for and nurtured by Council's Parks and Gardens section, to the right of the memorial on ANZAC Day 2015, the Centenary of the landing.