Council wraps up upgrade of War Memorial surrounds

Published on 12 March 2021

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Major upgrades around the Rockhampton War Memorial in the Botanic Gardens have been completed this week, following three months and $175,000 of works.

Councillor for Parks and Public Spaces, Cherie Rutherford, said the project adds to the upkeep and aesthetics of such an important piece of wartime history in one of the Region’s most loved parks.

“The Rockhampton War Memorial pays homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and has been so significant to the community since it was built in the 1920s,” Cr Rutherford said.

“We consider it crucial to ensure this site, and all others like it, are kept in tip top shape – and that includes the area surrounding them.

“The recent works included improving the access to this site with brand new paved footpaths around and leading to the memorial. There is also upgraded drainage and garden edging.”

Councillor for Communities, Drew Wickerson, said the upgrade has timed perfectly with ANZAC Day to be held next month.

“This week I was delighted we were able to announce that ANZAC Day commemorations will return this year, after being cancelled in the Region in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic,” Cr Wickerson said.

“It’s wonderful that we will not only be able to again hold the traditional Dawn Service here at the Botanic Gardens, but do so in a newly upgraded area.”

More on the Rockhampton War Memorial:

  • The Cenotaph stands over 19 metres tall and is made of sculptured Gracemere granite
  • It was designed by renowned Rockhampton architectural firm, Hockings and Palmer
  • It was built in 1924 by Rockhampton monumental mason, F.M. Allen for a total of £ 2,654
  • At the time, it was the largest and most expensive war memorial to be built in Queensland, outside of Brisbane
  • The plants surrounding the spire are symmetrically apart at precisely 30°– this allows the daylight shadow cast by the spire to cross the encircling palms like the hour hand of a clock from sunrise to sunset