December 17, 2016
A unique memorial marking the sacrifice of Australian troops during World War II has enjoyed a makeover, thanks to the long memory of a former Kingaroy Apex Club member.
Back in 1995, Kingaroy – like the rest of Australia – commemorated the 50th anniversary of VP Day (“Victory In The Pacific”), the official end of World War II.
Kingaroy Apex decided to mark the occasion by temporarily “adopting” an area of remnant vegetation between Moonya and Fisher streets which had been donated to Kingaroy Shire Council by the Carroll family.
Unfortunately, over the years the Carroll Nature Reserve had become a dumping ground for garden waste and weeds had taken over.
The Apex Club decided to help revive the area.
They were joined by volunteers from Landcare and other groups who helped to clear the worst of the weeds.
The Apex members then constructed an entrance gateway to the reserve and a sign was added to honour the people who gave their lives defending Australia and the Pacific Islands during World War II.
The pathway through the area was renamed the “Kokoda Track”.
All this occurred 21 years ago …
Apex life member and Kingaroy resident John Box couldn’t help but notice recently that the sign honouring the Aussie troops was looking the worse for wear.
As the Kingaroy Apex Club has been closed for more than 10 years, he turned to the South Burnett Regional Council to help.
John said Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff, who is the Parks portfolio holder, picked up the idea and “drove it”.
Council came to the rescue and paid for a new sign to be placed on the gateway.
Cr Duff joined John and former Apex member Brian Tessmann – who was club president in 1995 – on Thursday to inspect the result.
The new sign bears the same wording as the original, and looks good enough to last at least another 21 years!
