By Dominique Tassell
As Remembrance Day is observed this Thursday 11 November, locals would like to once more highlight the work done by the community to raise funds for the memorial and dais in Warwick’s Leslie Park.
The Warwick Community Development ANZAC Memorial Committee (WCDAMC) raised over $90,000 in grants and donations for the project.
The group spent three years hard at work raising funds.
Locals played a huge role in raising the funds, donating everything from food and wine, to items for auction.
Shane Webke was involved in a fundraising night and auction, where an array of donated items were auctioned off.
The Warwick Hotel donated wine, with Bells Butchery involved in donating beef.
Jim O’Leary, who was involved with the project, stated that he would like to thank all the businesses involved.
“They all know who they are,” he said.
Johnno Felton, who was Chairperson of WCDAMC, said that the Veterans’ Support and Advocacy Service Australia Inc (VSASA), based in Toowong, was a huge help to the committee.
Johnno and Jim both also spoke of Liz Devine’s involvement and wanted to thank her for her efforts.
Federal Member for Maranoa, the Hon David Littleproud, advocated for and helped secure $10,000 in grant funding for the project as well.
WCDAMC also applied for and received $35,000 from the Community Benefit Gambling Fund grant program.
Southern Downs Regional Council provided a grant of $10,000 to the project.
At the time, those involved said that the new dais would make Leslie Park a centre for residents and visitors wanting to learn more about our region’s military history.
Locals have requested that Southern Downs Regional Council install a plaque in Leslie Park commemorating the efforts of the community.
They stated it would be great to acknowledge the hard work and kindness of locals.
