Memorial Park upgrades to enhance remembrance

At its September Ordinary Meeting, Gympie Regional Council resolved to support a proposal from The Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Gympie Subbranch Inc. “Gympie RSL” to enhance two of Gympie’s most prominent war memorials and heritage places, building on the region's legacy, recognising the distinguished service of our servicemen and women.

The Gympie RSL has secured approximately $2 million in funding from the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, and the Arts. This funding will deliver improvements at Memorial Park and Memorial Lane including new public art/memorial sculptures, landscaping, footpaths, and the relocation of the Memorial Flame from the lane into the park.

The project includes partial upgrades to Memorial Lane between Reef Street and the public toilets, decluttering the entry to the Lane from Reef Street, planting of trees and gardens at entry, and partial resurfacing between Reef Street and the Lane toilets.

The proposal also includes an upgrade of the road crossing at Reef Street including new surfacing of the crossing and footpath area, upgraded lighting, tree planting on reef street, and new entry sculptures at the Memorial Lane/ Reef Street intersection incorporating core values etched in Australian Defence Force service.

A highlight of the proposal is the relocation and integration of the Memorial Flame into the Park, which will better facilitate memorial events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day for the Gympie community.

Gympie RSL Group Manager and Secretary Martin Muller said the project was dedicated to those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice over multiple conflicts.

“Our community honoured the Veterans of the Boer War and World War 1 with the Heritage listed Memorial Gates (1920) and the creation of Henry Moore’s designed Park in (1919 – 1921),” Mr Muller said.

“Australian men and women have continued to protect Australia and provide humanitarian assistance whenever called upon.  These improvements to both the heritage lane and park provide better connection between them and most importantly honour all military service.

“The new memorial flame is on the Eastern side of the park and as the sun rises to break the dawn on ANZAC Day it truly will be moving experience for all in attendance.

“The RSL greatly appreciates the support of Gympie Regional Council, the Federal Government (DITRDCA), Qld Government Dept of Environment and Science and our build partner Rubicon Design & Construct. We trust the project will provide a solemn & reflective space, whilst educational and enjoyable for the Greater Gympie Community.”

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said Council was proud to support the RSL’s project, which would improve the Memorial Park and Memorial Lane areas and create a more welcoming space for resident and visitors.

“Our war heritage is a special part of what it means to be a part of the Gympie community and this project will ensure we can continue to give our military community pride of place for generations to come,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“The upgrades will also help facilitate Gympie’s ANZAC Day commemorations which continue to grow year on year.

“On top of the RSL’s project, Council is contributing to the delivery of upgraded lighting in the park area which will further-enhance the park so it can be enjoyed at all times of the day.

“I congratulate the RSL on its commitment to our town and encourage residents to hop online and take a look at what’s in store for this special part of Gympie.”

Works are expected to commence prior to Christmas.

Residents can view the RSL’s project and provide feedback via Council’s website – [RSL Memorial Park Project – Gympie Regional Council](https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/homepage/448/rsl-memorial-park-project "‌")