The City of Greater Geelong and the Australian Government have worked with local veterans to restore a memorial in St Helens Park commemorating the Malaya Borneo conflict.
The City invested $20,000 in the memorial restoration works along with a $10,000 commitment from the Australian Government through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.
A memorial service and wreath laying was held at St Helens Park today with members of the veteran community.
Works consolidated the original memorial plaques into the groundwork and onto three new pillars, along with new garden beds and retaining walls, and associated landscaping around the existing rotunda. The original signage and flagpoles were also replaced to replicate the original memorial.
The design was approved by local veterans through the Geelong RSL.
The memorial commemorates the Malayan Campaign (1941-1942), the Battle of Singapore (1942), the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960), and the Indonesian Confrontation (1963-1966).
More than 10,000 Australians served in these conflicts, and the Malayan Emergency was one of the longest continuing military commitments in Australian history.
Minister for Defence and the Member for Corio, Richard Marles MP
This memorial is of national significance and one befitting our local community.I am pleased to have supported this project which sees our community honour those who served our nation on Borneo, Singapore, and Malaysia, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.
To all veterans of these conflicts, thank you for your service.
Chair of Veterans Affairs, Councillor Eddy Kontelj
It is important to acknowledge the service and dedication of veterans who fought in the post-Second World War conflicts in the Malaya and Borneo regions.To veterans of these conflicts, on behalf of Australia, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
We hope that veterans and their families will continue to see St Helens Park as a place they can pause and reflect.
