Malmsbury’s heritage World War I memorial gates have a new shine with restoration works now complete.
Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs led the project with a $27,492 grant from the Victorian Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program, and in-kind support from Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, friends group members, Macedon Ranges mayor Kate Kendall, council representatives, RSL members and residents gathered for the official unveiling last Friday.
“The newly restored War Memorial Gates at the Malmsbury Botanical Gardens, is testament to the hard work of the Friends of the Malmsbury Gardens. I thank them for their dedication to this project,” Ms Thomas said.
The memorial was built in 1922 at entrance to the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens as a tribute to the “brave men who enlisted in the Great War 1914-1918”.
As part of Friday’s unveiling, Gerard Noonan played the Last Post.
Works have included soldier names re-gilded, old paint and rust removed, stone/marble cleaned and works on the memorial railings and gate. Four heritage hybrid tea roses ‘We Will Remember Them’ also proudly stand nearby.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council contributed in-kind support to ensure the project met the high standards required for a this significant memorial. That included grant application support, extensive project oversight, heritage and horticultural advice, and logistical assistance.
“Community passion is what drives projects like this, and council is proud to stand alongside a group so deeply committed to preserving local history,” Cr Kendall said.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and Heritage Victoria provided additional support.
