New lights fitted in time for Remembrance Day

A new light will shine on the Townsville Cenotaph in time for Remembrance Day thanks to a grant from the Queensland Government.

The $25,000 Queensland Remembers grant from the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts has funded the replacement of 12 lights on the cenotaph to continue lighting the war memorial at Anzac Memorial Park on The Strand.

Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob said the lighting upgrade would hold the monument in good stead for years to come.

“The cenotaph, originally called the Soldier’s Memorial, was built in Townsville in the early 1920s by stonemasons Melrose and Fenwick. Originally also a clocktower, the memorial holds the names of World War I casualties,” Cr Jacob said.

“The cenotaph helps us remember important history and it’s essential for it to be kept in good condition for many years to come. This includes having its lights renewed so it is appropriately lit for memorial and safety reasons.

“The replacement of these lights is thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Queensland Government, with work carried out by Council.”

Cr Jacob said the work happened just in time for Remembrance Day.

“Council, along with the Townsville community, is paying respect to fallen soldiers and honouring all service men and women who served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations on Remembrance Day on Monday,” he said.

“I’d like to invite members of the public to attend the 10.30am service at Anzac Park or the 10.40am service at the Thuringowa Cenotaph and to wear a poppy to remember those lost to war.”

For more information about the park, visit the Anzac Memorial Park page.