Warburton RSL president Royce Turnbull and Wesburn flagraiser Geoffrey Lock want the community to have a cenotaph. 55884
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
WESBURN resident Geoffrey Lock is a World War II veteran who raises the flag at Wesburn cenotaph on commemorative days.
He said the ageing cenotaph was due for an upgrade as it was beginning to crumble. Warburton RSL has taken on the refurbishment task.
The cenotaph was erected sometime after World War I with a small plaque reading “Duty Nobly Done 1914–1918.”
But Mr Lock, and the Warburton RSL, are trying to find out more about the history of the cenotaph – and are looking for photos pre-1930.
Along with the memorial, on the corner of Warburton Highway and Station Road, sits an old anchor found in a Wesburn shed, painted white and placed with the memorial, and a flag pole erected by the Upper Yarra RSL about 10 years ago.
Warburton RSL has gained approval from Yarra Ranges Council – and is awaiting VicRoads approval – before it applies for a grant for the materials to reconstruct the cenotaph.
Warburton RSL secretary Dennis Reeves said it was time for the cenotaph to get a facelift.
“It’s so simple and has its own beauty, but hasn’t got a memorial plaque of those who passed away,” he said.
“We want to dismantle it and totally rebuild it with a polished concrete structure.”
Mr Reeves said Wesburn Primary School used the cenotaph for Anzac Day, and the cenotaph’s honour roll and honour board were on display at the school.
“It’s got great historical significance and we want it to stay that way,” Mr Reeves said.
Warburton RSL will be commemorating Remembrance Day with a variety show, A Tribute to the Anzacs.
The show will feature local artists and include a two-course meal at the Warburton Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall on 11 November at 6.30pm.
Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children under 14. Book by 8 November on 5966 9470.
