Facelift for historic Woodend clock tower

Woodend’s iconic clock tower is about to get a facelift.

The High Street war memorial will be restored to its former glory later this year, after Macedon Ranges council received a $30,000 grant from the state government.

The council will also contribute $30,000 to the project, which will involve repairs to the fabric of the clock tower.

Two plaques listing the names of 500 locals who served in World War II will also be replaced during the works, at a cost of about $4000.

Macedon Ranges council customer service manager Stephen Mahon said the clock tower was built in 1927.

“[The work] will ensure the structure will stand proudly in the streetscape for a further 90 years,” he said.

The work, which is expected to start in spring, has the support of the Woodend RSL and Woodend and District Heritage Society.

The council also received $6632 to restore the Gisborne war memorial drinking fountain.

The work will restore a World War II plaque and the steps on the memorial.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the grants would help return the memorials to their original condition.

“It is through community memorials such as these that all Victorians can learn about our war-related heritage and the stories of the brave women and men who have served their nation,” she said.

“We are very proud of the way our community works hard to honour veterans through community memorials such as the Woodend Clocktower and the Gisborne war memorial fountain.”