A Place for All Who Served

Cenotaph For Younger Veterans Gains Momentum

A new cenotaph honouring every Australian Defence Force veteran who has served since 1975 is one step closer to reality in Mackay’s Jubilee Park. With pathways laid and partial funding secured, the project is progressing, however, more support is still needed to bring this long-awaited tribute to completion.

“This is a memorial for everybody who served. It’s not for a particular war or group – it includes everyone,” said Mackay RSL Sub-branch Vice President Mark Preston.

“Instead of three separate services, all will be recognised in one dedicated space.”

Stage 1 of the project is already taking shape, with pathways and the base of the monument in place. Mackay Regional Council generously contributed $40,000 to fund the pathways, allowing the project to move ahead smoothly.

The cenotaph will stand two metres square and two metres high, featuring the Australian Defence Force emblem alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force logos. In a special personal touch, Mr Preston’s original boots from his first enlistment have been cast into the monument.

Secretary of Mackay RSL Sub-branch Georgia-Lee Ricketts said, “It’s so beautiful. The detail is incredible.”

“It honours all those deployed to the Middle East and elsewhere.

“It’s a recognition that hasn’t existed locally until now.”

A standout moment came when Mackay Harley-Davidson raffled a motorbike and donated more than $13,000 toward the cenotaph.

Ms Ricketts said, “We’re also very grateful that Mackay Harley-Davidson got involved with a donation, which was a wonderful boost for the project.”

Stage 2 of construction is scheduled to commence later this year, with the RSL Mackay Sub-branch aiming to create a lasting tribute that the community can take pride in.

RSL President Ken Higgins said, “It’s going to be fantastic. We can’t wait to see it completed.”

Community members wishing to support the project can contribute by emailing the Mackay RSL Sub-branch at info@mackay.rslqld.net.au. Every donation helps bring this inclusive tribute closer to completion and ensures all veterans who have served since 1975 are remembered and honoured right here in Mackay.

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A new inclusive cenotaph honouring all Australian Defence Force veterans since 1975 is taking shape in Mackay’s Jubilee Park, with early works complete and further community support sought to see the tribute finished. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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