(Photo: Gerkies Photography)
December 17, 2022
Two ceremonies held in Murgon last weekend aim to ensure the memory of Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign will not be forgotten in a hurry.
At the new Veterans’ Memorial Park, in Gore Street, Murgon RSL Sub-Branch members joined with Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien and State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton to officially open a peaceful place of reflection to honour post-World War II veterans.
The Memorial Park features a replica of the famous Long Tan Cross.
The original cross was erected by the 6th Battalion RAR in Vietnam in 1969 to mark the site of the Battle of Long Tan; it is now on permanent display in the Australian War Memorial.
Commemorative plaques have been installed in the new Murgon park to acknowledge the service of Australians in East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and peacekeeping duties.
The park also includes a tribute to the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, 30 juvenile and mature trees planted in honour of the monarch’s 70 years of service to Australia.
RSL Wide Bay and Burnett District president Trevor Williamson said the Murgon Sub-Branch had identified a need for a memorial in the community that honoured the significant local contributions to service and sacrifice and conflicts post-World War II.
“With the inclusion of a tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the park also allows for honourable reflection on the late Queen Elizabeth II and her commitment to lifelong service, including her war service and support for veterans,” Mr Williamson said.
This park project received funding received from a number of programs including the State Government’s “Queensland Remembers” grant program and the Federal Government’s “Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee” and “Saluting Their Service” programs.
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QEII Park
Earlier on the day, a ceremony was held in the lower end of QEII Park in Lamb Street, Murgon, hosted by the South Burnett Regional Council.
Sixteen trees planted by Council were dedicated to Murgon community groups: the Creative Country Association, Murgon Business & Development Association, Murgon Lions, Murgon Meals On Wheels, Murgon Men’s Shed, Murgon Show Society, Murgon Local Ambulance Committee, National Seniors Australia Murgon & District, Rotary Club of Murgon, Qld Dairy & Heritage Museum, South Burnett Support Group of Parkinsons, Murgon & District Cricket Club, Murgon Bowls Club, Murgon Junior Rugby League, Murgon Golf Club and Murgon & District Tennis Association.
The project was jointly funded by Council and the Federal Government’s “Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee” program.
Commemoration certificates were handed out to representatives from each group, and an explanatory sign was unveiled by Cr Kathy Duff, Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien and young representatives from the community groups.
Murgon Business and Development Association president Leo Geraghty OAM congratulated Mr O’Brien, Council and the community groups for creating a welcoming entrance to Murgon.
“This project could potentially be the first stage of a beautification of the town, with the installation of benches and other elements that further enhance this community space,” Mr Geraghty said.
- Related article: Ceremonies To Honour Royal Jubilee
