By Jessica Micallef
The state opposition will contribute $100,000 towards restoring the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross if elected later this month.
The money will go towards repairing and restoring the urns, upgraded lighting, cleaning and graffiti removal.
More than 3000 people attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service each year at the cross.
Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve committee of Management chairman David Mann said he was delighted by the news.
“It’s very much appreciated,” Mr Mann said.
He said the funding would go towards maintenance work and will help with the master plans for the cross.
“There’s an archway structure as you walk into the cross and I would like to turn it into a welcome centre where visitors can discover the history of the cross,” Mr Mann said.
Opposition spokesman for veterans Danny O’Brien said restoring the iconic landmark was important to maintain one of Victoria’s most significant war memorials.
“We must continue to invest in Victoria’s historical landmarks, because once they are lost, they are lost forever,” Mr O’Brien said.
Liberal candidate for Macedon Amanda Millar said refurbishing the cross was a long-time coming.
“The historical Memorial Cross … hasn’t received a major restoration since 1955,” Ms Millar said.
