By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
MEMBERS of Community Organisations around Wandin are concerned about the future of a plot of land around a war memorial traditionally used to host memorial services.
The Wandin and District Historical Museum Society, the Rotary Club of Wandin, the Wandin Country Women’s Association (CWA) and Mount Evelyn RSL are worried by the upcoming sale of the two acres of land.
According to the Mount Evelyn RSL, the plot of land has been used for RSL memorial services and parking for the CWA for nearly ninety years, despite being privately owned.
A member of the Wandin CWA said there has been a long-standing agreement with the current land owners that the CWA and RSL can utilise the plot.
The Rotary Club of Wandin organise Anzac Day services each year at the memorial which have grown in popularity.
Anthony McAleer of the Mount Evelyn RSL said there are concerns the land will be used for development leaving no room for parking or memorial services.
“When we have a memorial services at Wandin it draws such large crowds and crowds keep getting larger,” he said.
“We need to use the land around the memorial to cater for it.”
“It’s just a paddock that the owners have allowed us to put chairs on so people can be involved and have safe access to the site.”
Members from these groups have asked Yarra Ranges Shire Council to purchase the land to allow continued community use.
Director Environment and Engineering for the council Mark Varmalis said the black of land is not considered appropriate for council purchase.
“Council uses its Recreation and Open Space Strategy to guide its decisions around the purchase of land and to determine where public open space is required,” Mr Varmalis said.
“The strategy does not identify this area for the purchase of land for either open space or car parking.”
Members of the CWA are planning to petition the council to reconsider this decision not to purchase or acquire the land.
