At the end of a secluded cul-de-sac in Bethania’s Ingenia Lifestyle Village the complex’s Anzac memorial is a fitting tribute to the small group of residents responsible for its creation.
Anzac Memorial Committee secretary Lee Falconer said the memorial came about after the 2020 Covid lockdown when residents could not assemble on Anzac day to celebrate at their clubhouse.
“Instead we had driveway celebrations and that led to talks about creating a new place to celebrate Anzac Day and other special days,” he said.
“The 2021 Anzac service and gunfire breakfast outside the clubhouse galvanised discussion about a permanent memorial place.”
Comprising 10 residents, many with military backgrounds, the committee has members including a Vietnam vet, a former Australian commando and a New Zealand Navy veteran.
Used for the first time on Anzac Day this year, the memorial was funded by a $10,000 government grant topped up by a further $10,000 raised by village residents.
Twenty-seven committee meetings were held during the 12-month planning/construction period, a monster raffle was organised with prizes donated by local businesses, a Neil Diamond gala evening was held and a fund-raising bus trip was organised with no charge by the bus operators.
The monetary target was achieved with funds left over for ongoing maintenance of the memorial and its surrounding area.
Four silhouette-style statues of a soldier, a sailor, an airman and a nurse are part of the memorial as well as a dog named Rusty which represents all animals used in war – dogs, pigeons, donkeys and horses.
Three impressive flagpoles are included together with a plinth which honours the fallen.
The memorial will be officially opened on August 15 to mark the Battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War.
The Ingenia group provided and landscaped the site, Elite Sandstone at Yatala made the plinth at cost and local firm Crane and Carry transported the plinth to the site.
The building company involved in extending the village donated funds and local politicians were also involved.
