Members of the Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL sub-branch as well as staff from Bunnings Yarrawonga have been busy installing new fencing and flora at the site, the centrepiece of which is a stone plaque honouring locals who served in the Great War.
Sub-branch member Bruce Pigdon, OAM, said the deteriorating condition of the site was reported by a member of the public, prompting the RSL to approach Bunnings to see if they would help with the restoration as part of their community activities budget.
“We were delighted with the response by Bunnings, they didn’t hesitate to offer the full amount needed to do the work,” Mr Pigdon said.
“The sub-branch is determined to ensure all memorials are kept in excellent condition, and we hope we can have the site ready for ANZAC Day.”
The works have involved removing “dilapidated” wooden sleepers and installing concrete replacements as well as planting new foliage, with the ‘Spirit of ANZAC’ grevillea chosen.
The more than $2000 price tag exceeded the local store’s capacity for individual projects, but a call to the head office saw the retailer sign-off on the additional funds.
The funds accounted for all the supplies as well as the staff hours to help Mr Pigdon and fellow RSL members Gary True and Kevin Phillips make the improvements.
Yarrawonga Bunnings activities organiser Tim Roadley said the retailer had completed similar restorations at St James and Devenish this year as part of its community activities.
“We do many projects and this year we’ve had a focus on memorials,” he said.
“It’s a couple of days work of moving the old materials, planning for the new one and then installing and planting.
“We know the products so we’ve got the expertise to help, and it should make for a big improvement.”
Yarrawonga store manager Shawn Van Duijne said the community projects had stalled during the pandemic, but the retailer was looking to “get back into it and do what we can”.
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