Proserpine War Memorial replacement receives Federal grant

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox and Councillor John Collins showed me the plans for the new cenotaph.

The Proserpine War Memorial will be replaced with a new cenotaph after a $67,000 grant was approved by the Morrison Liberal National Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Programme.

Whitsunday Regional Council applied for the grant in response to calls from the Proserpine RSL to replace the old memorial which was located at Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

I’m pleased to see Whitsunday Regional Council have been successful in their grant application to replace the Proserpine Cenotaph and have worked alongside Proserpine RSL to deliver a design befitting of our war heroes.

This new memorial will stand proudly in the heart of the town to remind locals of those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom.

After the demolition of the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, the marble plaques were removed by representatives of the Proserpine RSL, these being the only heritage significant component of the existing Cenotaph.

The old cenotaph was wearing away, damaged and had some spelling errors on the plaques.

This new memorial will be much more resilient to inclement weather and will serve as the centre-piece for ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies for many generations to come.

The Proserpine Cenotaph will be completed in time for Remembrance Day – 11 November 2021.

For more information on the Saluting Their Service grants programme, go to: www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/saluting-their-service-cgp