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Roll of Honour Relocation is the Right Move
Last modified: June 1, 2009 - 9:19 AM
THE Anzac Day ceremony in Scone will be considerably enhanced by the relocation of the township's historic Roll of Honour, according to Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Johnsen and representatives of the Scone RSL Sub-Branch.
Cr Johnsen pointed out that the Scone Sub-Branch had endorsed the relocation of the landmark Roll of Honour and had supported a successful Federal Government Department of Veterans' Affairs Commemorations Grant application to assist.
A grant of $4,000 was approved under the Saluting Their Service Commemorations Grants scheme. Council will provide $3,700 funding toward relocating the Roll of Honour in the new town square.
Cr Johnsen said concerns that the march would not proceed down Kelly Street were unfounded.
The march will turn left at the roundabout into Liverpool Street and southbound traffic will be diverted to Main Street. When the march turns off Kelly Street into Liverpool Street, traffic will revert to Kelly Street," Cr Johnsen said.
"The march will continue, culminating in the town square, in a dignified location with amenities such as appropriate seating, staging, a sound system, flag poles and wreath-laying ceremonies without the problems associated with a ceremony on a main thoroughfare," he said.
"The concept is to enhance the value and honour of the Anzac day ceremony.
Cr Johnsen said the Roll of Honour in Kelly Street was unveiled in 1924 and the monument has considerable significance.
"But is it the right place, in 2009, on the footpath? It is being relocated to a town square designed for civic ceremonies and it will enable the Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies to occur in a more dignified setting, where we are not rushing to set it up and pull it all down to minimise traffic disruption," Cr Johnsen said.
"The critical thing is that this is being done in consultation and with the full agreement and support of the local RSL sub-branch," Cr Johnsen said.
He noted that the Scone RSL Sub-Branch secretary Tim Egan had advised Council that his organisation had resolved to support the relocation.
In a letter to Council to confirm the Scone RSL Sub-Branch support of the plan, Mr Egan said, "the visual presentation prepared to display the Centre and its appurtenances indicate that, in the event of its relocation, the Honour Roll will be in a place of such dignity as the persons whose names appear thereon deserve".
Cr Johnsen said the relocation and landscaping would be complete in time for Anzac Day 2010.
He urged Upper Hunter residents to visit the Upper Hunter Shire Council offices where a three-dimensional visual representation of how the town square at the new administration centre will look.
"The provision of a recognised Civic Function precinct and all the amenities and conveniences provided as a result, will in fact provide a more conducive atmosphere for celebration and honour of our returned service men and women. The service itself is the most important feature of the day and by providing improved facilities to cater for a growing interest in the ANZAC day tradition, Council is showing enormous respect for those who made significant sacrifice on our behalf", Mayor Johnsen concluded.
Contact details
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Tel: 02 6540 1100
Fax: 02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
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