Centenary Memorial Wall Project

Centenary Memorial Wall Project – Fundraising Campaign

On Thursday 25th September, Kelvin Liddiard, President and the Committee of the RSL launched a project to create a new memorial wall,  commemorating servicemen from Victoria Park.

The project is featured in a video documentary produced by Gerald Ashcroft from  Stories to be Told, and features a unique project logo.

Fundraising to support the creation of the wall is progressing well, with over $50,000 already pledged.  To show your support for this important local project, please contact us for details.

Background to the Project

View the Video for the Centenary Memorial Wall Project

This video documentary, produced by Gerald Ashcroft from Stories to be Told, tells the story behind the Centenary Memorial Wall Project

Plans for the Memorial Wall. Click on the image to see a large view.

Centenary Celebrations for Victoria Park

Forthcoming Centenary celebrations across Australia are at present being promoted by the Department of Defence, Department of Veterans Affairs, the RSL and other ex Service Organisations in memory of Australia’s commitment to our involvement in the First World War.

Australia, as part of the British Empire had federated all States and became known as the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. When World War 1 was declared, Australia, as part of the British Empire was asked to enlist/recruit soldiers and other personnel to help sustain the conflict that was raging in Europe at that time. Western Australia and indeed, the Town of Victoria Park played a significant part in the unfolding events of 1914/15. Victoria Park was selected as a recruiting/mobilisation point for the City of Perth. Research has shown that some 433 citizens were recruited from the environs of the Town of Victoria Park.

The Memorial Wall Project

Our Sub Branch is undertaking the memorable task of remembering and honouring those citizens from the Town of Victoria Park who volunteered/enlisted to “Save the Empire”. The Sub Branch commitment is to erect a memorial wall at the Sub Branch and list all of those who served (from Victoria Park locality only) by placing a bronze plaque on the wall citing their name, some service details, etc. To this end we have applied to several agencies for funding to help offset the cost of this project.

Architects and a building maintenance contractor along with other trades people have been approached to offer services and quotes for the project. Estimated cost in total will be $200,000 to complete this project. We will also be seeking donations from Victoria Park business houses, the general public and indeed all those who have an interest in this project.

The Story

War memorials do not praise war, they honour people

In 1914/1915 boys and men alike enlisted to fight a war. To them this was their calling…. Their duty to their country. The Town of Victoria Park was established as a major enlistment center at that time.

Some boys were no older than fourteen. They should have been attending school, chasing friends, looking for employment. Instead, they were entrenched by the screams of eroded flesh and the stench of death.

They honoured us by going. But so few returned. Those who did were maimed…. In body. In spirit. Parents lost sons. Children were orphaned. Women were widowed. No longer a mother.

There were no graves to visit. No ashes to strew.  No knowledge. No closure.

It is the Victoria Park RSL’s intention to create a place where descendants can come. Mourn. Remember. Find solace.

How you can help

Your contribution will help us erect a memorial wall at the Sub Branch and list all of those who served (from Victoria Park locality only) by placing a bronze plaque on the wall citing their name, some service details, etc. Depending on funding we will also be looking at creating a memorial walk that will allow the next generation understand the sacrifices made by our lost boys.

The campaign has been broken down into phases so as to better highlight where the money raised will be going:

• The first goal of $150,000 will fund the construction of the memorial and the wall
• The second goal of an additional $80,000 will fund construction of the 433 bronze plaques for each of the fallen soldiers
• The third goal of an additional $45,000+ will allow the Victoria Park RSL to develop a memorial walk and display/theatre room for the next generation

If you would like to help make this a reality, please contact us to find out how.