War memorial project gains ground

Director of the Australian War Memorial and former defence minister Dr Brendan Nelson AO, second from left, visited the Yarra Valley on Sunday, See story page 7.

By Kath Gannaway

More than 70 people heard Dr Brendan Nelson AO talk on his role as director of the Australian War Memorial and of the importance of Australia’s Anzac heritage at Seville on Sunday 16 July.
Dr Nelson, a guest of Casey MP Tony Smith, spoke at Wild Cattle Creek Estate in support of the Seville War Memorial project.
Chair of the Seville War Memorial Committee Anthony McAleer said the event was a great success.
“Looking around, there were very few people in the room who were not moved by his talk,” he said.
Also on display were items associated with the Light Horse Charge at Beersheba 100 years ago this year.
There was tremendous interest in the flag that was draped over the coffin of Breaker Morant, and his dog tag, and an equally impressive collection of personal objects connected to Brigadier Sir Murray William James Bourchier, CMG, DSO, VC – the commanding officer of the 4th Light Horse Regiment during their famous charge at Beersheba.
Mr McAleer said $67,000 had been raised towards the $167,000 cost of the memorial.
“The money raised so far has incorporated design, engineers’ plans and the design including test and images of the eight panels.
“The proceeds of Sunday’s event will go towards the $100,000 construction costs,” he said.
Follow the progress of the Seville War Memorial project on www.facebook.com/sevillewarmemorialvic .