Colac Otway to launch Homage to the Anzacs on Friday

Published on 16 April 2019

Colac Otway to launch Homage to the Anzacs on Friday

Colac Otway’s Homage to the Anzacs light projection show will be launched on Friday, with thousands of people expected to visit Colac’s Memorial Square over the Easter weekend and the lead-up to Anzac Day.

A reel of images will be projected onto the Memorial with the 10-minute show continued on a loop from 6pm to midnight every night from Friday through to Anzac Day, with a dawn and final evening projection.

Multimedia artist Matthew Bonner has created the reel from a collection of photographs gathered with the help of the community including the Colac RSL and the Colac and District Family History Group.

Shire Mayor Cr Jason Schram said Colac Otway was proud to present the unique tribute to the Anzacs which would potentially bring people from across the state to Colac between April 19 and 26.

“We expect this will be a memorable event that brings our community together and creates a special tribute at Colac’s Memorial Square.

“The shire is extremely fortunate to have such an impressive War Memorial and to have an event like this that encourages people to visit the Colac region is really significant leading up to Anzac Day.

“It’s a free community-focused event, where people will be able to stay as long as they want during the six-hour projection on any night from Good Friday to Anzac Day. 

“It will be an opportunity to pay tribute to our servicemen and women and recognise Colac’s landmark, with an opportunity for businesses to extend trading hours during the week-long project.”

Council was successful in gaining a $40,000 grant through the Veterans Branch in the Department of Premier and Cabinet for funding under the Victoria Remembers Major Grant Program 2018-2019 towards implementation of the project to commemorate Anzac Day 2019.

Council had initially allocated $28,000 towards this significant project but through cost saving is now likely to contribute only about $6000 to the eight-day event.

“Colac Otway Shire would like to thank the Victorian Government for its major contribution towards our Homage to the Anzacs, and the funding application support provided to the Shire by Colac RSL, Colac and District Family History Group, Colac and District Historical Society, Colac Cemetery and St Mary’s Parish.”

The Honorable Robin Scott MP, Minister for Veterans, said he was “proud to be able to continue the Victorian Government’s track record of supporting communities that are working hard to maintain our proud war heritage and pass it on to future generations”.

“I encourage all ex-service organisations and community groups to consider applying for funding to support their activities,” Minister Scott said.