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Busselton’s new war memorial officially opens to the public following a consecration at Rotary Park

Headshot of Sean Van Der Wielen
Sean Van Der WielenBusselton Dunsborough Times
Busselton RSL president Steven Mott, Forrest MHR Nola Marino and Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin after unveiling the new Busselton War Memorial on Monday,
Camera IconBusselton RSL president Steven Mott, Forrest MHR Nola Marino and Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin after unveiling the new Busselton War Memorial on Monday, Credit: Sean Van Der Wielen/South Western Times

Busselton’s new war memorial was officially opened early this week ahead of Anzac Day commemorations.

About 150 people gathered at Rotary Park on Monday morning for the consecration for the newly finished site, which will replace Victoria Square as the location for the city’s Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.

Representatives from the 11th/28th Battalion and HMAS Striling, elected officials, City of Busselton staff and the general public joined Busselton RSL member and RSLWA State president Duncan Anderson to mark the occasion.

Busselton RSL committee member Mel Sorokine said the memorial site had been relocated due to Victoria Square becoming too small to accommodate the increasing numbers attending commemoration services.

“This new area has more space, is easily accessible with accessible amenities and is far more peaceful,” she said.

The creation of a new memorial is also being used to rectify the issue of incorrect names and titles on the old memorial, alongside recognising service nurses.

Busselton RSL president Steven Mott said the new memorial will recognise all those who have served, including the 73 people from the area who lost their lives in battle.

Busselton RSL president Steven Mott at the opening of the Busselton War Memorial on Monday.
Camera IconBusselton RSL president Steven Mott at the opening of the Busselton War Memorial on Monday. Credit: Sean Van Der Wielen/South Western Times

“Here we can remember all those who have served, amongst the native gardens, the locally sourced stones, designed by community members, put together by locals, in this peaceful yet prominent location,” he said.

“It is here that all veterans, their families and the community can reflect on service and on those they have lost.”

Mr Mott described the project as a “labour of love” and a “baton relay”, highlighting the many people who have contributed during the approximately six years it took to bring the project to fruition.

He particularly noted the efforts of sub-branch honorary life member Joy Dalgleish for her dedication in researching World War I and World War II veterans in the area.

The new memorial consists of a central carved stone surrounded by four smaller stones bearing the emblems of the Australian Defence Force and its three divisions.

Members of the public view the new Busselton War Memorial after the official opening on Monday.
Camera IconMembers of the public view the new Busselton War Memorial after the official opening on Monday. Credit: Sean Van Der Wielen/South Western Times

A long path leads up to the memorial, with bronze plaques containing the names of those who have served from the region.

The ceremony officially marked the end of an era for the Albert Street-facing memorial, which was originally unveiled on January 6, 1920.

The Busselton RSL has recommended to the City of Busselton the old memorial remain in its present location as a historical monument.

Council contributed $375,000 towards the new memorial, with the Department of Veterans Affairs giving a grant totaling $150,000 and the RSL putting $36,000 to the project.

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