Skipton Diggers not forgotten as memorial restored

Published on 23 April 2020

The 12 Skipton district Diggers who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II have not been forgotten.

Corangamite Shire Council worked with a specialist conservator to restore a plaque from the Skipton War Memorial in time for Anzac Day.

The plaque commemorates 

The plaque was cleaned and treated to remove corrosion, and seized bolts were removed from the bolt heads. An acrylic resin developed to protect architectural copper alloys was applied for a glossy finish that will provide many years of protection.

Friends of the RSL Skipton Branch Chair John Kavanagh wrote to Council last year asking for the plaque to be refurbished.

"We were glad that the plaque was in place on previous Anzac Days, as our speakers at the services have focused on these men and their place in our community," he wrote.

"We are proud of our War Memorial and would much appreciate an upgrade of this particular feature of our war memorial before Anzac Day 2020."

The Skipton Branch of the Friends of the RSL and the whole community were very appreciative to the Corangamite Shire for the repairs and cleaning of the War Memorial and in particular for the refurbishment of the WW2 plaque which had fallen into a state of disrepair.

RSL President Graham Layley and Secretary Cath Kavanagh said that these plaques “are very special to our people” and thanked the Shire for its work.

Council engaged a conservator who found the plaque was structurally sound but dirty and tarnished with extensive corrosion and oxidation, resulting in loss of detail.

North Ward Councillor Lesley Brown said Council was please to respond to the maintenance request.

“It’s incredibly important that we preserve our local history and heritage,” Cr Brown said.

“These 12 men gave everything for the Country and it’s fitting that we make sure this tribute to their bravery endures.

“I commend the Skipton Branch of the Friends of the RSL for being proactive in seeking out this restoration. They play a significant role in ensuring future generations honour the memory of fallen members of our community.”

The memorial on Anderson Street commemorates those who fell in the First and Second World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and East Timor and lists the names of those who served. It also features a roll of honour for the Soldier Settlers who established estates in the Skipton District after the Second World War.

The 12 Diggers’ stories can be found on the Skipton Historical Society website.