Jessica Micallef
The legacy of veterans will be preserved at Mount Macedon’s Memorial Cross Reserve.
The reserve’s committee will receive a $50,000 grant to upgrade the site. The funding forms part of the state government’s four grant streams to build and repair memorials, preserve stories and maintain the wellbeing of veterans.
The money will go towards a detailed heritage analysis to preserve and enhance the site’s commemorative features.
More stories of local World War II veterans will also be depicted at the site, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in September.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said while the reserve was a major attraction in the Macedon Ranges and had a long history of community use, an increase in visitor numbers had put pressure on the reserve’s environment and infrastructure.
“This is terrific news for our community and for everyone that has worked so hard to ensure the reserve continues to welcome visitors well into the future,” she said.
“The reserve has been attracting record visitors in recent years.
“This means funding can cater for those bigger crowds and preserve the site for generations to come.”
Veterans Minister Robin Scott said improvements at the site meant locals and visitors would further enjoy “one of the significant war memorials in regional Victoria.”
“This is about preserving the history of our state and ensuring that we never forget the great sacrifice our veterans made,” he said.
