Statue helps highlight Goomeri’s wartime history

A bronze statue commemorating local World War 2 servicemen and women will be unveiled at Goomeri today by Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien.

The statue represents a Second World War digger, and was built by Everlon Bronze, after the Goomeri chapter of the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch received a $43,950 grant through the Morrison Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

“The statue is designed to be a striking representation of service personnel from Goomeri and the surrounding districts, and will be a strong visual reminder of the services and sacrifices made during the Second World War,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It’s a fitting tribute that will ensure the people of Wide Bay continue to remember and acknowledge the sacrifices made by our service-men and women during wartime.”

Mr O’Brien congratulated Marlene Pointon for initiating the project, and the Goomeri Branch and the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch for their work in ensuring the legacy of Australia’s war heroes is remembered as well for their ongoing advocacy for veterans.

The statue will be unveiled near Goomeri’s landmark Memorial Clock at 11.00am.

More than $1 million in funding was provided through this round of the Saluting Their Service commemorative grants program.

For more information on the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program visit the Community Grants Hub (www.communitygrants.gov.au).