Bendigo Community Bank backs final stage of Emu Park Centenary of ANZAC Memorial Walk
The final stage of the Emu Park Centenary of ANZAC Memorial Walk has taken a significant step forward, thanks to the generous support of the Bendigo Community Bank – Emu Park and Yeppoon Branches.
The Bendigo Community Bank has pledged $25,000 to help progress the fourth stage of the project to a shovel-ready state, bringing the total funds raised by the Emu Park RSL to $60,000.
The Emu Park RSL Sub-Branch and Livingstone Shire Council recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise their partnership in delivering the fourth stage of the project.
The final stage of the project will extend the memorial boardwalk north around the point, incorporating steps down to Peace Park and linking accessible concrete paths to Bell Park.
Mayor Adam Belot welcomed the financial backing from Bendigo Community Bank, recognising its longstanding commitment to the community.
"The Emu Park Centenary of ANZAC Memorial Walk is a place of reflection and tribute to our service personnel, and this next stage will further enhance its accessibility and significance,” Mayor Belot said.
“On behalf of the community, Council is incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity of Bendigo Community Bank and the dedication of the Emu Park RSL in bringing this vision to life.”
Emu Park RSL President Ron Lange, acknowledged the importance of the funding in helping advance the project.
"The Bendigo Community Bank has already contributed around $200,000 to the first three stages of the memorial, and we are deeply appreciative of their continued support,” Mr Lange said.
“This funding ensures we can progress towards a completed design, allowing us to secure additional grants and funding for construction.”
Bendigo Community Bank Yeppoon and Emu Park Board Chairman Andrew Morris said:
"Bendigo Community Bank is proud to support the Emu Park RSL with funding to help complete the fourth stage of the Emu Park Centenary of ANZAC project. This memorial is a significant tribute to our veterans and an important part of our local history.
“As a community-owned bank, we are committed to giving back, and this $25,000 contribution reflects our dedication to honouring those who served while strengthening our local community.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the ANZAC Memorial Walk is key to keeping the memory alive of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Each ANZAC Day, hundreds of locals and visitors congregate at Emu Park memorial to remember those who have served and are serving our country,” Ms Landry said.
“The next stage of the Emu Park ANZAC Memorial Walk will further enhance this experience and provide a greater educational experience for visitors to Emu Park.
“It is an honour to support the Emu Park RSL and this project. I congratulate the Emu Park RSL committee on successfully securing funding which will bring this vision to life,” Ms Landry said.
Keppel MP Nigel Hutton said the Emu Park Memorial Walk stands as an important piece of community infrastructure, commemorating the sacrifices made by our service members, while also serving as a significant attraction for visitors to the region.
"The walkway and memorial have become a must-see icon for visitors to the region and is a popular meeting place for residents based right across Central Queensland,” Mr Hutton said.
"The continued work on the Emu Park Memorial Walkway will continue to enrich our community's cultural and historical fabric while bringing another significant destination to our region for visitors to enjoy.
"I applaud all the volunteers and community groups who have given their time to this iconic memorial project and all those who have contributed to funding to the project including Livingstone Shire Council, Bendigo Community Bank, local businesses and residents."
The MOU establishes the framework for collaboration:
• The Emu Park RSL will lead community engagement and fundraising for the detailed design phase.
• Local artist Bill Gannon will provide the initial design scope, which Council will review to ensure compliance with technical and engineering standards.
• The Emu Park RSL will engage a professional grant writer for funding applications.
• Council will oversee the project’s construction if sufficient funding is secured to cover all costs, including project management.
• The Federal Member for Capricornia and the State Member for Keppel have provided letters of support for the project, reinforcing its significance at both state and national levels.
Council will work to add the Emu Park Centenary of ANZAC Memorial Walk Extension Project to its priority project list, subject to funding availability and community support.
For further information or to learn how to support the project, contact Livingstone Shire Council or the Emu Park RSL Sub-Branch.