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New mural at Yallourn/Newborough RSL

By ALYSSA FRITZLAFF

LOCAL veterans have been honoured in a new mural at the Yallourn/Newborough RSL. Painted by artist Steve Bechaz, the mural depicts Jean Bickerton, Robert Pritchett, George Harris, Sir John Monash, Ernie Clegg and Jack Hamilton. On Thursday, February 3, veterans, members of the RSL, family and community members gathered to admire Mr Bechaz’s work and honour those who served Australia in the war. Mr Bechaz said the mural took many months of research and preparing to reach the finished product. The mural is primarily spray paint, although Mr Bechaz said he did use a brush on the finer details. Mr Bechaz said the mural would not have been possible without the supported from Veterans Minister Shaun Leane, a veteran’s grant and the Yallourn/Newborough RSL. “It took a few months to do, because there was lots of research and designing that went into it,” Mr Bechaz said. “I do love a challenge, and I do want to do more portraits.” Mr Bechaz said he enjoyed learning more about local servicemen and women while he worked on the mural. “Thank you to the veterans for putting their trust in me ... thank you to the community, and a special thanks to Steve Moy - he help get it all started,” he said. The mural faces towards the location where the dawn service is held each year, and has the Ode of Remembrance painted on the side. World War II nurse Jean Bickerton attended the event. She is pictured in her nurse uniform on the mural, an image which was painted from a photograph taken when she was about 21 years old. Mrs Bickerton said she was “shocked” to find out she would appear on the wall. Her nurse’s cape is currently on display at the Moe RSL. Robert Pritchett, illustrated next to Mrs Bickerton on the mural, was a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps in World War II. He died as a prisoner of war in 1943 after he was captured in Singapore. After Mr Pritchett’s family were notified of his death, a wreath has been laid every year for over 75 years by his son Tom Pritchett. George Harris, a member of the Morwell RSL, was pleased to be featured on the wall. Mr Harris has been a local for most of his life, having moved to Morwell at the age of 15. “It is an honour,” Mr Harris said. Mr Harris is painted next to Sir John Monash, the first chairman of the Victorian State Electricity Commission. Sir Monash served in World War I and was amongst those first under fire in Gallipoli. He was in charge of the entire Australian Corps by 1918. Ernie Clegg’s great granddaughter Chloe Clegg also attended. Chloe was very close with her great grandfather. She spent every Anzac Day and Remembrance Day with Mr Clegg, who she remembers fondly. Mr Clegg had a long career in the Royal Australian Navy, and was remembered by his peers for entertaining the crew on ships with singing, dancing and humour.” “It is very special to have him on the wall,” Chloe said. The daughters of Jack Hamilton, Beth Cox and Faye Brown, were present at the event with Mr Hamilton’s granddaughter Kelly Cox. Mr Hamilton was a long-time president of the Yallourn-Newborough RSL, and his family delighted he featured in the artwork. “It’s amazing to drive past and see him on the wall,” Beth said. Faye agreed with her sister. “It’s pretty special ... I cried when I first saw him,” she said. Former Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson voiced her support for the new mural. “I think it’s a very respectful and thought provoking thing,” Cr Gibson said. “These are the faces of people who gave everything.” Cr Gibson said she hopes Mr Bechaz’s artistic additions to the region will bring more visitors to Newborough and Moe. “It’s lovely to take pride in our town ... hopefully they will make people come and see what we have to offer,” she said. The full dedication ceremony for the mural will be at the Yallourn/Newborough RSL on February 17, 2022, from 10am to 11am.

Respect: The mural is situated on the side of the Yallourn/Newborough RSL building.

Generations: Jack Hamilton’s daughters Beth Cox and Faye Brown, with his granddaughter Kelly Cox (middle). photos alyssa fritzlaff

Nurse: Jean Bickerton pictured with the painting of herself. Artist: Steve Bechaz painted the mural at the Yallourn/Newborough RSL. Pride: Chloe Clegg stands next to the painting of her great grandfather Ernie Clegg. Then and now: George Harris next to the painting of himself on the mural.

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