Saturday, 31 October 2015
Light Horse Memorial Unveiled in Queensland
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Stuart Robert, today unveiled a memorial to the Australian Light Horse at Woombye, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Conceived by the Buderim Men’s Shed, following consultation with their resident artist Jeff Franklin, it was agreed the memorial would take the form of a ‘Waler’ horse, a figure synonymous with the mounted regiments of the First World War. The ‘Waler’ looking tired and weary from battle symbolises both the Light horsemen and their horses who never made it home.
Speaking at the dedication service, Mr Robert highlighted the important role community projects play in sharing the stories of Australia at war.
“A key aim of the Anzac Centenary national program is to improve understanding and awareness of Australia’s war time history. The Buderim Men’s Shed Light Horse Memorial project is a wonderful example of a community leading this education process for future generations,” Mr Robert said.
“The Australian Government has been able to help communities across Australia
pay tribute to our First World War servicemen and women with more than 1,651
grants across 150 federal electorates awarded funding to the value of $16.8
million,”
Mr Robert said.
“The Buderim Men’s Shed received $53,413 in funding from the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program to design, build and install this beautiful Light Horse Memorial. A lasting tribute to the men of the Australian Light Horse regiments.”
The Anzac Centenary 2014 to 2018 is the most significant period of commemoration in our nation’s history.
During this time we not only remember the original Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and on the Western Front and in the Middle East, but we commemorate more than a century of service by Australian servicemen and women.
Media enquiries:
Richard Briedis (Minister Robert): 0477 391 174
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
