War memorial will be moved

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• Remembering their sacrifices: Ex-POW Paul Lavallee, 94, and Miranda RSL Sub-branch president and welfare officer Bruce Grimley at Miranda RSL. The club recently held its annual lunch for former POWs. Unfortunately because of thinning numbers, only Mr Lavallee was able to attend. Picture: Jane Dyson

• Wish granted: Miranda RSL Sub-branch members (from left) Bruce Taylor, Bruce Grimley, Arie Hanavaar and Alan Lark at the Miranda war memorial. Picture: James Alcock

VETERANS will have their wish granted — Miranda RSL’s historical war memorial will be moved to a safer and more accessible spot in Seymour Shaw Park, thanks to Sutherland Shire Council voting $50,000 towards the relocation.

The state government will donate $40,000 to the project, Olsens Funerals $15,000 and the balance will come from community contributions.

The club had petitioned the council for several years to relocate the memorial from its present spot in the cul-de-sac at the end of Central Road to the park, 20 metres north.

The heritage-listed sandstone memorial is the site of the state’s largest Anzac Day dawn service outside the Sydney central business district, attracting more than 5000 people.

The crowds stand in Central Road for the service but Miranda RSL Sub-branch wants to relocate the memorial to the park to improve its access and amenity and to safely accommodate visitors and crowds.

The memorial was built originally in 1918 in the grounds of the old Miranda Public School to honour local citizens who had served in World War I.

The school site was sold in 1968 to the developers of Miranda Fair shopping centre and the memorial was moved to its present position.

The club had raised about $105,000 towards the memorial’s relocation and the council’s $50,000 grant means it will move ahead with relocation which is expected to begin in mid-2013.

The memorial will be dismantled and rebuilt in the park, surrounded by landscaping and gardens.

New commemorative plaques will be added to honour Australia’s military involvement in other world conflicts.

“The new location will allow services to be held in a safer and more dignified setting with disabled access,” said Miranda RSL Sub-branch president and welfare officer Bruce Grimley.

“Families will abe able to hold private ceremonies at the memorial in more private and comfortable surroundings.”

“The extra space will be able to accommodate the growing numbers of school students and young families who attend the Anazc Day dawn service.

“The extra plaques will be able to education future generations.”

Is it a good idea to move the memorial to Seymour Shaw Park?