October 5, 2015
A new memorial plaque will provide a lasting tribute to Mallacoota people who enlisted in both world wars.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester recently met with Mallacoota RSL sub-branch president Mark Tregellas to congratulate the RSL on the memorial.
The RSL received $3850 from the Federal Government to install a plaque on the brick cenotaph, inscribed with the names of all servicemen with a connection to Mallacoota.
“Like so many small communities around Australia at the time, Mallacoota did more than its share in the defence of our nation and the Commonwealth in both world wars,” Mr Chester said.
“This plaque provides a place for current and future generations to look back and reflect on the sacrifice that was made by these Mallacoota names.
“I congratulate the Mallacoota RSL on realising its ambition to provide this public recognition at the town’s cenotaph.”
The funding for the plaque was allocated under the ‘Saluting their Service’ Commemorative Grants Programme, which aims to honour the service of sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
Mallacoota RSL sub-branch president Mark Tregellas said it had been a 20 year project to install the plaque.
“Previously, it had been difficult to find a consensus on whose names qualified to be on the plaque,” Mr Tregellas said.
“Many Mallacoota residents at the time may have been in Bairnsdale at the time to sign up, while some Lakes Entrance people may have been in Mallacoota working and signed up here.
“We decided that anyone from the Mallacoota or district who signed up for service in World War I or World War II should go on the plaque regardless. This way we remember those who served, not just those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
The plaque also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
CAPTION: Mallacoota RSL sub-branch president Mark Tregellas with Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester at the new plaque.
