Veterans' Memorial Park opened in Murgon with Platinum Jubilee tribute

The Veterans' Memorial Park includes a replica of the Long Tan Cross

An initiative of the Murgon RSL Sub Branch, the park was opened by State Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton MP and Murgon RSL Sub Branch President, Kevin Gill.

The opening followed more than 12 weeks of planning and construction and included a tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the unveiling of a dedicated plaque among more than 30 juvenile and mature trees planted in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years of service to Australia.

A prominent feature of the park is the installation of a replica Long Tan Cross, which has been erected in honour of those who served and lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Commemorative plaques have also been installed, honouring wars and conflicts in Vietnam, East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as acknowledging Peacekeeping Forces.

The memorial was an initiative of the Murgon RSL Sub Branch

The tributes were made possible following funding received from a number of State and Federal Government grant programs, including the Queensland State Government’s 2022 Queensland Remembers grant program, and the Federal Government’s Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee and Saluting Their Service programs.

RSL Wide Bay and Burnett District President Trevor Williamson OAM said the Murgon Sub Branch had identified a need for a memorial in the community that honoured the significant local contributions to service and sacrifice in wars and conflicts post the second World War.

RSL Wide Bay and Burnett District President Trevor Williamson OAM speaking at the opening of the memorial

“The RSL is honoured to be able to create this peaceful place of reflection, where members of the community can come, take a seat, and pay their respects to those who served in more recent wars and conflicts,” Mr Williamson said.

“With the inclusion of a tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the park also allows for honourable reflection on the late Queen Elizabeth II and her commitment to lifelong service, including her war service and support for veterans.”

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