February 21, 2013
Memorial Park in Kingaroy could boast a new statue in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
The Kingaroy-Memerambi RSL Sub-Branch plans to apply to the South Burnett Regional Council for permission to erect a life-size statue of a lone Digger on a plinth in front of the park’s rotunda.
Sub-Branch Deputy President / Treasurer Warren Cockburn told southburnett.com.au today the statue would be commissioned from a Clifton sculptor and hand-carved from black granite.
The sculptor has extensive experience in dealing with war memorials and works with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The estimated cost of the project would be $18,000 to $20,000.
The Sub-Branch hopes to be successful in a funding application to cover the costs, but donations from the community would also be gratefully accepted.
Warren can be contacted on (07) 4162-4881.
SBRC Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said he’d been told about the RSL’s plans and supported the concept.
“The Anzac tradition was born at Gallipoli and 2015 will be a special year right around Australia,” he said.
“I think this statue would be a very fitting addition to Memorial Park.”