CLERMONT RAG FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2019
Pioneer-Fitzroy-Highlands District RSL president Barry Vains, Cr Greg Austen, Clermont RSL sub-branch president David Ward, Mayor Anne Baker, Clermont RSL sub-branch secretary Gordon Murray and Cr Lyn Jones at the unveiling ceremony.
LEST WE FORGET: COMMEMORATING THE COMPLETION OF THE CLERMONT CEMETERY PLAQUE PROJECT Graves of 51 soldiers that were previously unmarked now have the recognition they deserve as the Clermont RSL Sub-Branch commemorated the placement of plaques.
The project was completed by Clermont RSL SubBranch volunteers David Ward, Gordon and Marion Murray, Dan Eassie, Cyril Bryant and Arthur Ball, in partnership with PFHD RSL branch.
The project to recognise soldiers that were interred in paupers’ graves began in 2017, when members from the Clermont RSL Sub-Branch and Isaac Regional Council began researching the names and record of service for the unmarked graves at the Clermont Cemetery.
Clermont RSL Sub-Branch President David Ward said he was pleased with the outcome of the project.
Council subsequently transferred the historic burial rights of the graves to the Clermont RSL Sub-Branch, with the support of the Clermont community, in 2018. Thanks to financial support from the Pioneer-FitzroyHighlands District (PFHD) RSL, the design, creation and placement of the plaques is complete, listing the name and record of service for each of the graves.
“Finishing the 51 graves and the placement of the 51 plaques means we filled the blank spot of where they were buried and put a name to that space. Thank you to PFHD RSL, Isaac Regional Council and the Clermont community for the support,” Mr Ward said. Mr Ward said everyone had put 110 per-cent into the project to get it done for 8 March. “I would also like to make a special mention to family and friends that have travelled long distances to be here for the ceremony.”
Mayor Anne Baker said the ceremony held last Friday, was an important moment for the region.
Mayor Baker said it was great to see many locals attend the ceremony at the Clermont Cemetery.
“It signifies the completion of the Clermont Cemetery Plaque Placement Project; a project that has brought recognition to returned servicemen and elating them from their pauper graves,” Mayor Baker said.
“By having the community support the project and showing up, the promise we make to remember the fallen is kept.
“My fellow Councillors, Lyn Jones, Greg Austen and I were honoured to be there to commemorate this important milestone in our region’s history.”
ISAAC.QLD.GOV.AU | 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27) isaacregionalcouncil
isaacregionalcouncil
isaacrcouncil
The pure people power of the Isaac region shines through the support of project such as this,” she said.