Restoration works to the Malmsbury World War I Memorial have now been completed.
The community-led project has been in the works for the past two to three years, with Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs working hard to bring the restoration project to completion.
Macedon Ranges mayor Kate Kendall joined other councillors, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and members of the Environs to officially unveil the project.
“Council is incredibly proud to have supported this restoration from beginning to end. Our officers played a key role in guiding the project, offering technical expertise in heritage planning, horticulture and asset management to ensure the memorial was restored with the care and heritage craftsmanship it deserves,” she said.
“I want to acknowledge the Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs – especially Paula Needham – for their commitment and leadership. Community passion is what drives projects like this, and Council is proud to stand alongside a group so deeply committed to preserving local history.”
Cr Kendall said the restoration returned the memorial to a condition that honours those who served, while strengthening the cultural and historical value of the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.
Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs secretary Paula Needham was pleased to see the project finished, which was funded through the state government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program with a $27,492 grant.
“The gate was in very bad condition … so I’m glad we were able to do something about it,” she said.
Ms Needham said the project was very important to Malmsbury locals, with many eagerly watching on during the works.
“It really became the town’s project,” she said.
She said now people in the town will be able to recognise the history of the site, and people won’t just see it as a way to enter the gardens.
The revitalisation of the memorial also aligns with the Malmsbury Botanic Garden Master Plan, which identifies the enhancement and preservation of key heritage features – including the World War I Memorial – as an important priority, which Ms Needham said she was glad to see one ticked off.
