Wagga Wagga's Honour Roll and Eternal Flame Memorial in the Victory Memorial Gardens has been officially reopened at a moving ceremony today, Wednesday 22 October, after undergoing major remediation and restoration works.
The occasion was marked with a plaque unveiling, held in conjunction with the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch Post 1975 Conflicts Commemorative Service.
Erected in 1990, the Honour Roll and Eternal Flame Memorial features the names of men and women from the district who served in armed conflicts from the Anglo-Boer War and World War II, through to Afghanistan, as well as Peacekeeping missions.
Discussions between Council staff, the Mayor, and the RSL sub-Branch in 2024 identified there was a need for remediation work on the Honour Roll walls and the Eternal Flame and the pond it sits in.
In April this year, Council was successful in its application for a funding grant from the Federal Government for the remediation of the Honour Roll and Eternal Flame Memorial.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Dallas Tout was pleased to see the outcome of the project.
"The structure was in need of remediation; the Eternal Flame required refurbishment, the pond was leaking, and the walls were degrading from rising damp causing render and paint degradation," Cr Tout said.
"Considering our city's strong military history and the memorial's significance to the people of Wagga Wagga, and particularly the families and descendants of those whose names grace it walls, Council had no hesitation in joining forces with the sub-Branch to see this project come to fruition.
"I am delighted that we have been able to deliver the works and have the Eternal Flame alight once more prior to Remembrance Day, on 11 November."
The project included water and salt proofing the new render on the Honour Roll walls, removing and replacing the pavers, and installation of sub soil drainage.
The gas and water supply to the Eternal Flame was repaired, while the pond it sits in also underwent remediation works. The plaques on the memorial walls were refurbished and polished.
Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch President Rod Cooper commended Council for its project management and dedication in delivering this important restoration.
"The result is a beautifully renewed space that honours our past and inspires our present," Mr Cooper said.
"These sacred memorials hold deep significance for our community. The Eternal Flame is a powerful symbol of enduring respect and remembrance, while the Wall of Remembrance stands as a solemn tribute to those who have served and sacrificed in defence of our nation.
"Their preservation ensures that future generations can continue to reflect on the courage and commitment of our servicemen and women.
"The post 1975 Conflicts Commemoration is a fitting occasion to pay tribute to those from our community who have served-and continue to serve-in uniform. We are proud to stand together in remembrance and gratitude on this special day."
The funding for the project was through the Federal Government Office of Veterans' Affairs Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program 2024/25.
