Special commemoration for new Wandoan Avenue of Honour

30 March, 2021

The Western Downs community is being invited to take part in a special weekend of events to commemorate Wandoan’s Soldier Settlers from Saturday, 24 April 2021.

Western Downs Regional Council is partnering with the local community to officially open the Wandoan Soldier Settlers ‘Avenue of Honour’ which has been delivered as part of Council’s COVID-19 Recovery Package.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Recreational Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said it was fantastic to mark the completion of such a special project in the region.

“The establishment of a Wandoan Soldier Settlers ‘Avenue of Honour’ is truly a remarkable achievement for the local community – in particular Pat Devlin and Bob Williams – and I thank them for showing vision and inspiring us to partner with them and deliver this special project,” Cr Tillman said.

“As part of the project, Council has installed an ‘Avenue of Honour’ which lines the pathways within O’Sullivan Park and features 103 individual plaques commemorating each soldier settler family.

“The installation will also include fabulous steel entrances at either end of the park to boost its prominence as well as some new gardens and information boards telling the story of the Soldier Settler Scheme and its history in the town.

“I encourage everyone to attend this special occasion in Wandoan, which features the official opening service and a community dinner. Visitors can then remain in the town and take part in the ANZAC commemorations on Sunday, 25 April.

“We can’t wait to see the completed ‘Avenue of Honour’ when it’s unveiled to the public in just a few short weeks’ time and we can officially honour the families who helped build this wonderful town and community.”

The official opening will take place at O’Sullivan Park on Saturday, 24 April from 1pm to 3pm. Light afternoon tea will be provided and other drinks will be available for purchase.

Juandah Heritage Society, Wandoan Community Commerce & Industry, and Apex will also host a community dinner on Saturday evening at the Wandoan Showgrounds. Cash or card payments will be accepted and cash bar facilities available.

Registration is required for COVID-19 tracing purposes. To register your attendance to either event, visit https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/our-communities/wandoanavenueofhonour/

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