Its construction owes much to the planning by Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-branch and the financial support from the local community.
This has been a project of Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-branch and honours all who served in defence of our country since Federation, including those who did not return.
Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-branch President Barry Clarke said the memorial encompasses a timeline of conflicts in which Australia has been engaged since January 1, 1901 and the plaques on the memorial serve to remind us all that Australia has stood tall in defence of democracy in all major conflicts around the world.
He points out that Australia’s involvement includes the Boer War which started in 1899 when Australia was a collection of British colonies. Perhaps not a world democracy threat but, nonetheless, a defence of empire which resonated at the time.
This conflict continued beyond Federation, and so represents the first conflict where lives were lost fighting under the Australian flag. Mr Clarke reminds us that many of those who served in South Africa saw distinguished service in World War I.
He said the second last plaque represented Australia’s most recent and longest involvement in a conflict, being Afghanistan, where our Australian Defence Force (ADF) acquitted themselves in the ANZAC tradition.
Mr Clarke stated that the final plaque on the memorial was for peacekeepers and peacemakers who have represented Australia since 1947 and do so to the current day, predominantly under United Nations colours.
Mr Clarke said that while the ADF currently had minimal operational duties the memorial had space for expansion should the need arise, but he hoped that there would never be a future need to add plaques.
He said there would be an unveiling and dedication of the memorial on Saturday, July 1 at 11am when the relevance of the date and why Mivo Park was so named will be addressed by RSL state president Rob Webster.
All residents of the Cobram-Barooga district are invited to attend the unveiling. Medals may be worn, and there will be an opportunity to lay floral tributes. Light refreshments will be provided in the Civic Centre following the dedication.
To assist Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-Branch’s planning, all wishing to attend are asked to advise sub-branch secretary Rosa Perri if placing a wreath and/or staying for refreshments, by email at cobrambarooga.rsl@gmail.com or via mobile on 0413 893 430; RSVP by June 23.
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