PLENTY WAR MEMORIAL GATES- A Short History
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Registered No A0041710X ABN: 58 472 605 779
PLENTY WAR MEMORIAL
GATES
– A Short History
Memorial Gates following Restoration – April 2009
Produced with generous support
From Nillumbik Shire Council
© Alan Pearce and Plenty Historical Society Inc. 2009 All rights reserved. This book is copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or by any process whatsoever without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright holders. Enquiries should be directed to the Plenty Historical Society Inc. Published by Plenty Historical Society Inc. Registered Office: 27 Howell Road, Plenty, Vic. 3090 ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page No.
Preface: Brief History of War Memorials In Australia 1
Introduction: Federal Government Funding to Local Municipalities:
– Formation of War Memorial Trusts 2
Plenty War Memorial Community Centre Committee: 3
– Formation 3
– Objectives 4
– Meetings of Committee 5
– Functions and Fundraising 6
– Plans for Implementation and Projects in Plenty Park 8
– Cooperation with Other Groups 10
– Memorial Gates 11
– Official Opening – 21st April 1951 13
Years Since the Official Opening: 17
– On Going Services 17
– Opening the Memorial Gates to Traffic 17
– Disrepair and Damage from Park Traffic 18
– Plenty War Memorial Park Master Plan 20
– Society Involvement in Master Plan 21
– Funding for Refurbishment and Restoration 24
– Restoration Project 25
– Rededication of Memorial 30
Oral Histories and Other Recollections: 31
– Residents and Former Residents 31
Present Day: 32
– Community Monument 32
Addendum
– Committee Members named in Minutes 1945 to 1953 34
iii
Acknowledgements This Book was produced by the Plenty Historical Society Inc. with the assistance of a Community Group Support Grant approved by Nillumbik Shire Council. The Society extends its sincere thanks to Nillumbik Shire Council for their generous support given to assist with this publication and the work of Plenty Historical Society Inc. Thank you also to Samara McIlroy, Archives Officer at Banyule City Council for providing access to the Minutes of the Plenty War Memorial Community Centre Committee held in the Council Archives. Her helpful assistance and advice during several sessions of research activity is greatly appreciated. My sincere thanks also to Graeme Speers and John Butler of Heidelberg Historical Society Inc. for making available the Minutes of the City of Heidelberg War Memorial Trust Committee and allowing me access to this information. I am also indebted to Fred Durham and express my sincere gratitude to him for his assistance in reading the draft manuscript, and in making several suggestions that improved the content of the publication. It is customary for authors to conclude their acknowledgements with the disclaimer that errors, which follow, are entirely their fault. The subject matter is not dealt with in a strict chronological order, and the main treatment is by themes. There is a problem with evidence of local history because of a distinct lack of primary source evidence, inevitably leading to reliance on secondary evidence and interpretation. Where there are errors because of this, those errors are mine. Alan Pearce 2009 iv
PLENTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC.
Welcome to the first publication of the Plenty Historical Society Inc.
Plenty Historical Society was formed at a public meeting of interested Plenty
residents held in the Plenty Community Hall on 8th February 2001. The
meeting decided that the history, culture and environment of Plenty were in
danger of being lost to the community, because of changes and large-scale
developments in the area. It was considered that action must be taken to
establish an historical society to seek to preserve as much of this history,
culture and environment for the benefit of the wider community.
The initial objective of the Society was identified as, “To record the history and
collect memorabilia associated with the Plenty region and to encourage future
generations to have an interest in Plenty and its history”.
The meeting decided that an Executive Committee should be formed to set in
motion the formation of Plenty Historical Society and the following were
nominated:
Neisha Forbes Chairman
Kerry Fitzmaurice Secretary
Alan Pearce Treasurer
The Society was incorporated in Victoria as an association on 4 th October
2001 under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981. At the invitation of the
then CFA Captain, Gavin Wright, the Society began meeting, and has met, at
the CFA Building on the first Thursday of February, April, June, August,
October and December since. This gesture has been of great assistance to
the Society and we are most grateful to the Plenty CFA for making their
premises available to the Society.
From these small beginnings, the rest is what you might call “ history”.
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v
PREFACE Brief History of War Memorials in Australia The Concise Australian Encyclopaedia (Angus & Robertson 1983) states that numerous war memorials have been established throughout Australia over many years to commemorate the lives of many thousands of Australian Servicemen and Servicewomen who served their country in various conflicts. According to this Encyclopaedia, the earliest war memorials in Australia were established to commemorate those servicemen who fell in New Zealand (1845-46), The Sudan War (1885), and the Boer War (1899 –1902). The Australian War Memorial in the nation‟s capital, Canberra, and the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne were both established to commemorate the servicemen and servicewomen who served, and the fallen, in the Great War 1914 – 1918. Both of these memorials have since been extended in recent years to commemorate those who served in World War II, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, and in other conflicts. Following the end of the Great War, many memorials were erected in cities and towns throughout the country, and generally, these memorials were added to, and new memorials established, to commemorate service in World War II, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, Borneo, Kuwait (Gulf War), Afghanistan, Iraq (2nd Gulf War), and the various peace-keeping missions throughout the world. Plenty residents were no exception in their desire to commemorate the service of Plenty citizens and, as early as September 1945, one month after the cessation of hostilities with Japan, sought to establish a suitable memorial. This book tells the history of establishment of this memorial, the Plenty War Memorial Gates, as we have been able to research from the available records and is commended to you. Plenty Historical Society Inc. (2009) 1
INTRODUCTION Federal Government Funding to Local Municipalities Following the end of World War II, the Commonwealth Government of the day encouraged the establishment of new war memorials, and additions to existing war memorials through the setting up of War Memorial Trusts. Some funding was provided to local authorities to enable such projects to be undertaken. In many municipalities, local committees were formed to raise funds and plan War Memorial Projects in their communities. At that time, Plenty was part of the Northern Ward in the City of Heidelberg, and the residents decided that they would like to establish a memorial to recognise the service of men and women from Plenty. Federal government funding, together with funds raised by local committees, were administered by a Central Trust Committee established in each municipality, and each local committee applied to become a member of the Central Trust. These local Committees were then considered to be Divisions of the Central Trust and had representation on the Central Trust Committee. The Plenty Committee made application to join the City of Heidelberg War Memorial Central Trust Committee, and became one of seventeen Divisions of the Trust. The Central Trust became responsible for the overall collection of funds raised by each division, and for its later distribution. Mr F W Durham was appointed as the Plenty Division‟s Representative on the Central Trust Committee and he attended every meeting of the Trust Committee from 1945 until 1953, when the Plenty Division‟s War Memorial projects in Plenty War Memorial Park were completed. For these meetings, Mr Durham would walk each time from his home in Plenty to Greensborough to be driven to the Central Trust meetings, and then walk, home from Greensborough at the conclusion of the meetings. One can only marvel at, and admire, his efforts in representing the Plenty district. 2
PLENTY WAR MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE
Formation of Committee
At the encouragement of Cr A K Lines of Heidelberg City Council, a Public
Meeting was convened in the Plenty Hall on 24th September 1945 to discuss the
formation of a committee to undertake the planning of a suitable war memorial for
Plenty, and to raise funds for the establishment of this memorial. Cr Lines was
present at the meeting, and gave an interesting address to the meeting, and
explained to the members present, the benefits of the Community Centre
movements. The meeting was attended by thirteen residents of Plenty, and these
thirteen residents subsequently accepted nomination and were elected to the
inaugural Committee as follows: Cr W Elwers, Mrs L Elwers, Mr L Elwers, Mrs
Walker, Mr C Walker, Mr R Beale, Mrs Brereton, Mr A Brereton, Mr B Lierse, Mr
F W Durham, Mr L Wilson and Mr J Wilson.
From those present the initial executive was formed:
President: Cr W Elwers
Vice President: Mr B Lierse
Secretary: Mr R Beale
Treasurer: Mr C Walker
Auditor: Mr A Brereton
The Committee formed at this meeting became known as “Plenty War Memorial
Community Centre Committee”.
The records of this Committee that we have been able to locate and access do
not provide any information or clues as to the reasons or thinking behind the
name chosen. One can only surmise that the Committee‟s initial views were to
endeavour to establish a Community Centre for Plenty. Obviously, from the
address given by Cr Lines at the inaugural public meeting, there had been similar
moves in other localities, and it seems obvious that the Committee viewed this
project as a possible way of obtaining a similar facility for Plenty. It also seems
3ironic that some sixty years later, Plenty Historical Society Inc. had similar
thoughts of establishing such a facility in Plenty through the acquisition of the
former Plenty State School (Primary School) building. However, to date this has
not come to pass. Hopefully, one day such a facility will yet be established in
Plenty for the benefit of the community.
Objectives
It is clearly indicated in the Minutes of Meetings that, although the Plenty War
Memorial Community Centre Committee was not incorporated unlike committees
today, the Committee did have a Constitution. Unfortunately, no Constitution
document has been located. Reading between the lines, we have been able to
draw some conclusions as to what the Committee‟s objectives might have been
inter alia, and it would seem that their efforts were principally directed towards the
following:
– To establish a War Memorial to honour those residents of Plenty who
served in the Great War and World War II;
– To seek and obtain control over what is now the Plenty War Memorial Park
and to undertake a number of improvements to the Park;
– To obtain membership of the City of Heidelberg War Memorial Central
Trust Committee; and
– To conduct various activities with the aim of raising funds locally to enable
these objectives to be fulfilled.
With the benefit of hindsight, it is apparent that this Committee worked
conscientiously and tirelessly towards achievement of these objectives, and to
ensure fulfilment of their expectations. Their foresight regarding the park, the
work and the projects they undertook in the park grounds, set in place a firm
basis for future development of the Plenty War Memorial Park to the good
standard that we all know and enjoy today.
4Meetings of the Committee The Committee continued to meet over the period from 24th September 1945 until the final meeting held on 25th November 1953, although during the earlier years of the operations, meetings were held more frequently than in the latter years of the committee‟s existence. Initial meetings were held on a three weekly basis. Attendance of the members was also much greater in the earlier years, particularly between 1945 and 1947, after which the meetings held became less frequent and attendance generally fell away. In all some 23 residents of Plenty were active as part of the Committee, with some members being involved for much longer periods than others. Three members served on the Committee continuously over the seven years of the Committee‟s existence, and these members were Mr F W Durham, Cr W Elwers, and Mr C Walker, although Mrs C Walker would have served continuously but took a twelve-month‟s break between late 1947 and late 1948. These four members would be considered as the backbone of the Committee and held office over the whole period. In many instances they were also involved in the organizing and running dances, euchre parties and similar events in addition to their executive responsibilities. The initial Public Meeting was convened by Cr W Elwers to discuss the formation of the Plenty War Memorial Community Centre Committee and attracted the largest gathering of residents of any meeting held over the period, and for that time, it most likely represented the then population of the Plenty community. Certainly, those members who became involved in the work of the Committee, worked tirelessly to achieve their objectives and put into place the basis of much of the groundwork on the community asset known today as the Plenty War Memorial Park. For this we, and the wider community, are most grateful. Later meetings also considered and established many Park projects to carry out improvements for which the community and Park users enjoy and benefit today. 5
Functions and Fund Raising By far, the greatest efforts of the Committee appear to have been directed towards raising funds for the War Memorial Gates, and the various improvements the Committee wished to make at the Plenty Reserve (later Plenty War Memorial Park). Unfortunately the records do not indicate the full extent of the fund raising efforts, or for that matter, the total expenditure. However, what is certain is that all monies raised were applied to good uses and now at this stage, more than a generation of residents has benefited from their efforts. The Committee undertook a number of different means of raising funds but the main method was the holding on regular monthly dances in the Plenty Hall. At that time it appears that the taxation office was interested in the fact that money was being earned from the dances as the Committee at one stage informed the taxation officer of the fact that dances were being held. There is no record of any taxation return being filed or that any funds were forwarded to the taxation office. State income taxing powers had been transferred to the Commonwealth for the duration of World War II, and these powers have never been transferred back to the States. This was used as a revenue raising method to fund the operations of the Australian war effort, and it is thought that every means of raising funds through taxation would have been pursued. Australia was not seen as a rich country at that time and its population at the war‟s end was only a shade over seven million people. Another form of fundraising was the holding of regular euchre parties at the homes of Committee members, and also, at the Plenty Hall. These events were considered to be a popular way of raising funds, and at the time, euchre seems to have been one of the most popular cards games. Several balls were also held, some organised by the Committee in the Plenty Hall, and others generally involving all of the divisions within the City of Heidelberg War Memorial Central Trust. Many of these functions also incorporated the holding of raffles, as well as some raffles being held as stand alone fund-raisers. 6
Another significant fundraising effort, undertaken early in 1947 as part of the
Central Trust Committee activities, was the holding of a popular girl contest
amongst the divisions. Miss Merle Walker, daughter of Mr and Mrs C Walker, was
chosen at a Public Meeting to represent Plenty Division with the competition to
run over a period of approximately eight to ten weeks. Prizes donated were as
follows:
First Prize: A ton of one-foot blocks of wood donated by Mr Laidley.
(Later this was changed to two ton of wood.
Second Prize: Three guineas (£3/3/- or $6-30) of groceries donated by
Mr Fellows.
Third Prize: One box of chocolates donated by Mr R Beale.
Fourth Prize: Two bottles of wine donated by Mr L Elwers.
Fifth Prize: Six bottles of beer donated by Mr C Walker.
Sixth Prize: 100 cigarettes donated by Cr Elwers.
Cr Elwers and Mr Fellows were responsible for getting three thousand tickets
printed. (Editor’s Note: Obviously the prizes were for a raffle to be conducted
although the records are silent in this regard.) All persons present at the meeting,
viz. R. Beale, A. Brereton, Mrs Brereton, L Elwers, W. Elwers, Mr Fellows, C
Walker, and Mrs Walker were elected to the Popular Girl Committee. The Plenty
Tennis Club supported the Popular Girl Competition by donating the takings from
their Euchre parties to the Competition Fund. The event raised over £1,000 in all
for distribution to the Divisions in the War Memorial Trust.
The Committee also arranged a fund raising program for the 1947 King‟s Birthday
Sports Day and Bazaar with the program including:
– A car race,
– A Ladies driving competition,
– Ladies and Gents foot races,
– An Egg and Spoon race,
– Bazaar and side shows – six stalls –A Spinning Wheel; Drinks
and ice-cream; Fancy goods; Produce; Penny squares; and
– Darts.
7Afternoon tea was provided at a cost of one shilling, with twelve large sandwiches to be cut, and hot water to be provided free. All takings from the event were to be collected between 4.00 and 5.00pm and banked. The sports program was insured for £50/-/- ($100-00) against inclement weather on the basis of 15 points of rain falling between 10.00am and 3.00pm. The Vauxhall Motor Car Club was invited to participate along with St John„s Motor Cycle Brigade. Like on many other occasions, it is unfortunate that the records are silent as to the amounts raised from the various events held by the War Memorial Committee, but it is obvious that overall they must have been successful as the Committee‟s objectives were achieved. Plans for Implementation In addition to the major task of planning, funding and erecting the Memorial Gates as the Plenty War Memorial, the Committee also undertook several other responsibilities as part of their War Memorial establishment activities. Early in the Committee‟s existence, an approach was made to Heidelberg City Council seeking permission to take over control of the Plenty Reserve. The request gained approval from Heidelberg City Council under an agreement, and in January 1946, a Committee of Management for the Plenty Reserve was formed with the initial members being Cr W Elwers, Messrs C Walker and R Beale. This management committee took over responsibility for supervising all of the improvements undertaken in the Park. It would seem that, at time, there was considerable overlap between the two committees in the negotiations with Heidelberg City Council. Perhaps this is understandable because of the two committees comprising of several of the same people. As the minutes record, several approaches were made to Council directly by the War Memorial Committee rather than the Park Management Committee. Our endeavours to locate records of the Park Management Committee have not been successful. 8
An approach was made to the Plenty Tennis Club asking if the club would meet the War Memorial Committee halfway in meeting costs of establishment of toilets on the Park Reserve. Late in 1947, tenders were called for the construction of two toilets (labour only) and resulted in only one tender being received. This tender was accepted at a cost of £22/10/- ($45-00) (labour and materials). Heidelberg City Council were approached and agreed to provide £25/-/- ($50-00) towards the cost of the two conveniences. The conveniences were constructed at sites approved by the Heidelberg City Engineer in the Park, along with approved sites for the Memorial Gates and bus shelter. Later, the two conveniences had screens erected for privacy with painting also being undertaken. The next move was for the Committee of Management to ask the Heidelberg City Council Engineer to inspect the Plenty Reserve to establish levels for the Park. In June 1946 Heidelberg City Council submitted a plan (No 1157) for the Park area to the Committee. The City Engineer gave a brief estimate of the cost of levelling the Park involving some 4,000 cubic yards for the large oval and 2,300 cubic yards for the small oval at an approximate cost of 6/- per cubic yard, (i.e., £1,890) ($3,780-00). This was a huge amount for the times, and work which the War Memorial Committee was unable to fund. However, tenders were called but no tenders were received by the return date. It is unclear as to what amount of work was actually included in the call for tenders. Roche Brothers Contractors were contacted about the levelling but owing to the cost of levelling the whole Park or a portion, such as the small oval, it was left in the hands of Cr Elwers and Mr Walker to arrange for someone to carry out some temporary levelling of the Park. There are no records as to what levelling may have taken place, however there is reference to a bulldozer being utilised to clear and remove stumps from the Park. A small amount of levelling was undertaken on the small oval, but the location of the small oval is unknown. The Committee had also been seeking the construction of a bus shelter at the Park for some time and had been negotiating with Heidelberg City Council seeking a contribution towards the costs of establishment. Council agreed to 9
provide an amount of £25/-/- ($50-00) towards the cost of the bus shelter, and agreed that it would be constructed before Winter 1948. The Committee decided that trees should be planted in the Park on Arbor Day on 24th June 1948 by the children of Plenty State School and asked the Council Curator to supply the trees. Some sixteen trees were planted by the school children as part of the Plenty Division‟s plan to improve the Park as part of its Memorial project. The following year, a further 41 pine trees were planted on the Western and Southern boundaries of the Park. (In 2009, at the time of completing this book, there is now no indication at the Park as to where these trees might have been, or for that matter, what happened to them.) The final project, apart from the Memorial Gates, undertaken by the Committee was to establish a children‟s Playground in the northwest corner of the Park. It was initially proposed to erect a slide and a wooden seesaw and the Committee sought financial assistance from Council to assist with the cost of purchase and erection of the equipment. Later, a giant slide was considered and approval to install these items was sought and obtained from both the Council and the Park Management Committee. The materials were purchased from the Cyclone Company and subsequently erected at a working bee on 13th July 1949. With the exception of the Memorial Gates, which had yet to be erected, this Playground project completed the Committee‟s obligations for improvements to the Park and at this stage the Committee formally handed over the improvements to the Park Management Committee. Cooperation with Other Groups During its existence, the Committee worked closely with other groups in carrying out its responsibilities, including the other divisions in the City of Heidelberg War Memorial Central Trust. There seemed to be a close relationship built with the Greensborough, Yarrambat and Eltham Divisions particularly in the area of fundraising, with joint meetings and agreements over the years. In addition, 10
locally there was good cooperation with the Plenty Tennis Club, the Plenty Hall Committee and the Plenty State School. These local organisations contributed towards the fundraising activities in relation to the Park, and also shared in the costs of some of the improvements undertaken. Memorial Gates In July 1946, the City of Heidelberg War Memorial Central Trust was empowered by the Divisions to advise them on suitable War Memorial Projects. In October of that year, a decision was taken to proceed with the construction of the Memorial Gates and the Committee agreed to take steps to obtain plans for the Memorial Gateway to be erected. Cr A K Lines, an Architect, was contacted early in 1947 to draw up plans for the Gates. Cr Lines submitted a sketch plan of the proposed Memorial Gates for the Committee‟s consideration and it was subsequently agreed that the sketch be accepted. At that time it was also agreed to call for tenders for the work to be carried out. It was not until February 1948 that attention on the Memorial Gates came to the fore again, and at that time, Cr Lines was contacted about completing the working plans for the Gates. On completion of the drawings, they were to be forwarded for approval to Heidelberg City Council and the Advisory Panel of the Central Trust, with the Secretary to take the necessary action to call tenders. It appears obvious from the records that the Committee‟s attention had been directed towards the other improvements works they were undertaking at the Park and the Memorial Gates construction had been left in abeyance for some time. The most likely reason would be that insufficient funds were not in hand at that time. In October 1949 that the plans drawn up by Cr Lines were approved by the Committee, and the Committee agreed to call for tenders for the material and construction after consultation with Cr Lines. The City Engineer was also asked to supervise the construction. Cr Lines drew up the specifications for the Memorial 11
Gates as follows:
Specifications Memorial Gates Columns.
Each column to consist of reinforced concrete pillar on base pad
set three feet below ground level as per plan. Pillars to be fixed
with Broadford or other approved stone, two inches thick.
Concrete to consist of four parts approved screenings, two parts
clean sand and one part Portland cement. Reinforcing mild steel
as per plan. Top of columns to be finished with cement rendered
capping as shown. Necessary fittings for fixing Gates to be built
in columns. All work to be carried out as per plan under
supervision. Heidelberg City Council Engineer.
The Committee adopted the specifications.
Tenders were called by placing advertisements in the “Heidelberg News” and
“The Age” as follows:
Advertisement in The Age:
“Tenders are invited and will be received by the undersigned until
Tuesday 4th April 1950 for the supply of material and
construction of four stone-faced reinforced concrete columns
for Park Entrance Gates. Plans and specifications may be
inspected at the Town Hall, Ivanhoe. Lowest or any tender not
necessarily accepted.”
F W Durham
Secretary of the Trust, c/o Town Hall Ivanhoe.
Two tenders were received:
From Mr W G O’Connor of Heidelberg: Proposed job according to plan
£145/-/- ($290.00); alternative price for solid stone £95/-/- ($190.00)
From Mr Andrew M Allen of Footscray: Price for completed job £560/-/-
($1,120.00); concrete core faced with Stawell stone; alternative tender:
Finely dressed with first course polished Dromana granite capping in
Stawell stone finely dressed.
12Initially, the two alternative tenders for stone pillars were received for consideration in place of the original tenders, provided the solid stone pillars proved more suitable. A decision was taken to accept the tender of Mr W G O‟Connor for the solid stone pillars, subject to approval by the Architect. The stone pillars were not considered to be suitable by the Architect, and the Committee reverted to the original design of reinforced concrete, with Mr O‟Connor‟s tender being successful. However, some differences arose between the Committee and the contractor and the Committee revoked its decision and cancelled the tender. It was then decided that the Committee would supply all materials for the pillars, and they accepted an offer of Mr C Moretti to carry out the work by day on a labour only basis. Mr Moretti carried out the construction work of the pillars satisfactorily. Chuck and Co supplied wrought iron gates at an agreed price of £120/-/- ($240- 00) complete with all fittings. In January 1951, the Committee decided that the 21st April 1951 would be the date for the official opening of the Memorial Gates and arrangements were left in the hands of the Treasurer and Secretary. Official Opening – 21st April 1951 In January 1951, the Committee decided that the Official Opening of the Memorial Gates would be held on 21st April 1951 and arrangements for the event were left in the hands of the Secretary and Treasurer. The Official Opening was to be held during the afternoon with an afternoon tea in the Plenty Hall and a dance to celebrate the Opening was to be held in the Plenty Hall. Mr R Lancaster was asked to supply the band for the dance to be held that evening. Early in April, invitations to the Official Opening were extended to the Parliamentary Representative, Ward Councillors, the Mayor of Heidelberg, Greensborough Boy Scouts, RSL Sub Branch, Anzac House, and Major General Porter. The Southern Command Band was also invited. 13
It is interesting to note the catering arrangements for both the afternoon and
evening as follows:
– 25 dozen cakes to be purchased for the afternoon and evening;
– Afternoon: half pound of tea, two pounds of sugar, ladies to supply
sandwiches.
– Evening: 3 bottles of coffee essence, 3 pounds of sugar
– Mr R Beale offered to supply milk.
Mr R Lancaster consented to his band playing at the dance in the evening.
Entrance fee for dance was 3/- (30 cents)
Colonel Latchford, who gave a splendid address, and the Reverend C P Young
conducted the Official Opening of the Memorial Gates on the 21st April 1951.
Present at the opening were Federal Member, Mr Davis, State Representative, Mr
Chandler, Cr Lines and Cr Smith, President and Secretary of the City of
Heidelberg War Memorial Trust, Members of the RSL Sub Branch,
Greensborough, including the President and Secretary. The Official Party
accompanied by wives and friends then had afternoon tea with the residents of
Plenty, completing a very pleasant afternoon.
To conclude the event, a successful dance was held in the Plenty Hall in the
evening in celebration of the Opening of the Gates. Thanks were extended to the
Mothers‟ Club (Plenty School) and friends for assisting with the refreshments,
Miss Carlyle for typing the program notes used at the opening, and Mr J Collins
for providing free transport to the dance. Greensborough Scouts were also
thanked for their assistance at the Opening.
14Official Opening of Memorial Gates – 21st April 1951 15
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Years Since the Official Opening On-Going Services There does not appear to be any record of memorial services that may have been held at the War Memorial Gates in the years following the Official Opening apart from those held by the Plenty Primary School, which held their own ceremonies each year near to Anzac Day. These services appear to have commenced shortly after the Opening, and continued for many years until the Kennett Liberal Government closed the school in 1993 as part of its school rationalisation plans. Many Plenty residents, themselves former students at the school, have fond memories of these services and speak earnestly about them. The students from the School planted ash trees in the Plenty War Memorial Park in the late 1940‟s as the first plantings in the park, but over the years since these trees have either been removed or died. The location of the trees when planted is not known, but the pupils placed wreaths at the base of these trees for a time. Opening of Memorial Gates to Park Traffic For a number of years the Memorial Gates were not subjected to traffic entering the park, but eventually they were opened up to traffic as entry to the park. In the early stages, this did not cause any problems, as generally vehicles entering the park were infrequent, and were smaller in size than present day vehicles. However, once more recent development of the park began, and entry was directed through the Memorial Gates, problems soon began to occur. With growth in size and numbers of vehicles, and the introduction of new sporting activities, and the subsequent building of facilities to accommodate the various organisations, these contributed greatly to the problems. Temporary measures were adopted in an attempt to protect the Memorial Gates but were neither helpful nor successful, and it became apparent that other measures were needed to overcome the problems. 17
Disrepair and Damage from Park Traffic
Because the Memorial Gates were built at a time when there were fewer vehicles
on the road, and the vehicle sizes were generally smaller than present day
vehicles, particularly buses and trucks, the Memorial Gates gradually fell into
disrepair through on-going damage from vehicles entering the park. The major
cause of the damage was through large trucks, including semi trailers and B
doubles, carrying building and other materials to the hockey field, and buses
carrying school children to their sporting activities.
Plenty Historical Society Inc. became active in seeking to have the damages
repaired, and eventually took the matter on as a project for the Society. The
Society was instrumental in initially having guardrails placed near the Memorial
Gates to prevent further damage to the pillars and gates. This was only a
temporary measure until such time as a permanent solution could be found.
Fortunately the solution came with the preparation of a Master Plan for Plenty
War Memorial Park by Nillumbik Shire Council.
Damaged Pillar with missing capping.
18Damaged Pillar and Base.
Damaged Pillar with missing Capping and Damaged Gate.
19Plenty War Memorial Park Master Plan.
In 2003, Nillumbik Shire Council sought grant funding from the Victorian
Government to undertake the development of a Master Plan for Plenty War
Memorial Park, then called Plenty Park. With the approval of grant funding,
Nillumbik Shire Council engaged a consultant to advise on how to develop the
Master Plan. The objective in undertaking the Master Plan was to develop a long-
term strategic direction for the park that addressed three key areas: current user
groups, conservation and natural environment, and passive recreational activities.
The process involved an extensive consultation process that included:
– Initial scoping of the project;
– An analysis of the then current situation;
– An analysis of current leisure opportunities available to residents;
– Consultation with key stake holders involved (including current user groups
and local residents): in the project development of the Master Plan options;
– Preparation of a draft Master Plan for community consultation; and
– Preparation of the final Master Plan.
This process was carried out over several months and involved several contacts
and discussions with the consultant, and meetings with Council officers. The
approval process was rather piecemeal in that at first, there was not any real
overall approval at the outset but rather a series of approvals of segments of the
Master Plan, with major sections of the plan being held over pending further
consideration and investigation.
Some two years after the initial Master Plan was considered, Council engaged a
second consultant to review the Master Plan and make further recommendations.
From the Society‟s viewpoint, this further delayed the commencement of the
Restoration Project for some considerable time, and required the obtaining of
approval to extend acquittal of the grants on several occasions. (See Funding for
Restoration and Refurbishment).
20Plenty Historical Society’s Involvement with Master Plan
The Society made submissions on the Master Plan indicating its concerns along
the following lines:
– The nature of the park being developed to include a greater number of
sporting facilities at the expense of passive based leisure;
– The damage occurring to the Memorial Gates as a result of the flow of
traffic through the entry way;
– The need for a Remembrance Garden around the Memorial Gates;
– The need for more than one toilet facility, which includes disability access;
– Providing more picnic areas in the position of some of the car parking on
the park;
– Renaming the park to its original name, “Plenty War Memorial Park”;
– Retaining the original children‟s playground;
– Concern over the proposed location of the picnic area, with snakes;
– The need for a roundabout at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Yan
Yean Road;
– Restricting buses/coaches from entering the park through Memorial Gates
until another entrance is organised;
– Creation of an “entrance only” near the Greensborough Hockey Club for
vehicles travelling north along Yan Yean Road to alleviate some of the
traffic coming through the Memorial Gates;
– Provide a designated walking track around the complete park; and
– Dedicating a whole area to a Heritage Precinct, saving some of the older
buildings in Plenty and relocating them to the precinct.
At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 15th September 2004, the following
resolution was carried:
That Council:
– Adopt the Plenty Park Master Plan.
– Refer the Capital Improvements identified in the Plenty Park Master Plan
Action Plan to future budget processes for consideration.
– Thank all submitters for their contribution and advise them of Council‟s
21decision.
– Explore all possible options for access and egress within the context of
further development of the Hockey Club.
– Implement a formal process to name the land surrounding the Plenty Hall,
bounded Butlers Road, Howell Road, Memorial Drive and the discontinued
road behind the Plenty CFA station, “Plenty Heritage Park.”
While this decision by Council was a step in the right direction, in terms of the
need to protect the Memorial Gates from further damage, it took another two
years for further action to be taken to resolve the position regarding the new
entrance and exit for the park. The review of the Master Plan undertaken by a
second consultant engaged by Council, with recommendations made to relocate
the entrance to the park to the west of the Memorial Gates, and for the park to
exit onto Butlers Road was finally established. This raised further concerns for the
residents of Butlers Road and it was only after further consultations and
negotiations with residents that the new exit was approved into Butlers Road.
This was the last major issue that was impacting on the Memorial Gates and
following funding being allocated in the Council budget, work began on the road
works for the new entry and exit points together with paved roads to the hockey
field and around the oval to the exit onto Butlers Road.
The Society was then, several years after receiving funding by way of grants,
able to begin the final planning for the refurbishment and restoration of the
Memorial Gates.
22REPLACE WITH PLENTY PARK MASTER PLAN MAP 23
Funding for Restoration and Refurbishment Application had been made to the Department of Veterans‟ Affairs for funding under their “Saluting Their Service” program in 2003 and the Society was advised in August 2004 that a grant of $4,000 had been approved. In November 2004, the Victorian Government through the then Department for Victorian Communities (now the Department of Planning and Community Development) introduced their “Restoring Community War Memorials” program and an application was submitted seeking a further $3,700. The initial application was not approved but the response indicated that the Society should resubmit its application in the second round of grants. This time the Society was successful and a grant of $4,070 (Grant of $3,700 plus GST $370) was approved in April 2005. Included in each of the applications was a contribution to be made by the Society, both in terms of a cash contribution and an in-kind contribution. The grant submissions indicated that the funds were to be used in straightening, realigning and restoring the pillars, cleaning the pillars, straightening and repairing the wrought iron gates, repainting, installing a flagpole and memorial plaques, and creating a memorial garden. Later, the Society sought funding from Nillumbik Shire Council to allow the purchase of seating for installation at the Memorial Gates and received a “Community Support Grant” of $1,000. As indicated earlier, on several occasions, the Society was obliged to request extensions of time to acquit the grants because of its inability to commence the Restoration project through delays in implementation of the Plenty War Memorial Park Master Plan. The Grants were all finally acquitted in April 2009. The Society is most grateful to the granting organizations for their generous support of the Society‟s Restoration project, and for their patience in awaiting receipt of the Society‟s acquittal of the grants. 24
Restoration Project The Restoration Project was first considered in 2003, some two years after the Plenty Historical Society Inc. was formed, and at that time, there was no indication that the project would take six years to complete. Nillumbik Shire Council had not yet proposed the Plenty War Memorial Park Master Plan, and the way seemed clear for the project to commence. The Memorial Gates were in a state of disrepair with further damage occurring on a regular basis, particularly as there were construction projects being undertaken within the park, and large vehicles were entering the park through the Memorial Gates to deliver materials. The first step in the project was to assess what needed to be done to restore the Memorial Gates to their former state, and then to seek funding to undertake the repair work. It was obvious that the slate covering on the pillars required substantial cleaning and replacement in parts, as they had been damaged through being hit on by vehicles on several occasions. Similarly the wrought iron gates had also been damaged by vehicles and were becoming badly rusted, necessitating substantial repairs to be undertaken. It was considered that action needed to be taken to seek closure of the Memorial Gates to vehicular traffic as a means of protecting them from further damage and preventing any further detrimental effect on the Memorial. The eventuality of the Plenty War Memorial Park Master Plan, while causing considerable delay in commencement of the project, also gave opportunity to propose the closure of the gates to traffic and the proper forum to argue the case. The closure of the Memorial Gates to vehicular traffic was accepted as a necessity into the Master Plan, but its implementation was dependent upon the entry to the park being realigned. Pending a permanent solution to the access and egress to the park being identified, as a first step, Nillumbik Shire Council provided a temporary exit to the park. This reduced the number of vehicles proceeding through the Gates to half the number. There were, of course, still a number of irresponsible drivers who continued to exit the Park through the Memorial Gates, on occasions nearly creating accidents. 25
Following the review of the Master Plan and the negotiation of an exit point being agreed with residents, Council commenced construction of a sealed roadway in the park, including enhanced and realigned permanent entry and exit points. This then allowed the Society to undertake the Restoration project and plans were drawn up and approved by Council. After the roadway through the Memorial Gates was removed by Council, the first work undertaken was removal of the wrought iron Gates by Council, who undertook the straightening of the wrought iron gates, removing the rust, and repainting them. Next came the levelling of the site and removal of surplus soil. In August 2008, the damaged pillars were straightened, cleaned and repaired and the cappings were refurbished by a contractor. One of the cappings had earlier been knocked off a pillar by a vehicle delivering materials to the Hockey Club, and had broken into several pieces. A new capping had been made at the Nillumbik Council workshops, but because the capping was new, it always looked different to the originals. When the pillars were being straightened, all cappings were also resurfaced and all are now similar in appearance. In September 2008, members held a working bee to establish the Memorial Garden and planted some 210 plants supplied by Ralph Rudd of Hillcrest Nursery, as well as spreading a load of mulch, supplied by Nillumbik Shire Council over the garden. The establishment of the garden made a great difference to the appearance of the site, and although much work still needed to be carried out, a number of users of the Park favourably commented upon the change in appearance. 26
Mulchers at work
Planting in progress
More planting
Finished at last!
(Missing from Photo: Neisha & Neil Forbes and Ralph Rudd)
27A flagpole was installed at the site in February 2009, as the next step in the
project and again this indicated that the project was now progressing satisfactorily
Installation of Flagpole
Completion of Installation of Flagpole.
It was early in April 2009 that the last major work was undertaken, and that was
the installation of rock borders to the Memorial Garden, slate edging near the
28existing footpath, and the asphalt paving of the area. There remains two items,
two bench seats and two memorial plaques, which are yet to be installed. Both of
these items will be installed during midyear 2009 and will complete the project for
the Society.
Paving of Memorial Gates completed
Paved Area at Rear of Memorial Gates
29All in all, the project has cost nearly $12,500 of which $9,070 was made available in three grants, with the balance being provided by Plenty Historical Society Inc. Not included in these figures is the amount of in kind support provided by members of the Society, some of whom provided many hundreds of hours working on various aspects of the project. A monetary value cannot be placed on this support, but the Society is grateful to all for their huge contributions. Rededication The Memorial Gates were originally dedicated on 21st April 1951 at the Official Opening, and it is proposed that a Rededication will be held in conjunction with the Society‟s Open Day to commemorate History Week in early November 2009. At this time, the Rededication will include all those who served in the various conflicts since World War II. 30
Oral Histories and Recollections Recollections of Mr F F Durham Plenty War Memorial Gates Opened on 21st April 1951. The service was performed by Rev. C P Young of St John‟s, Diamond Creek, and the address was given by Colonel Latchford. After the conclusion of World War II, Shires and Cities were granted funds by the Government to set up, or allocate to existing War Memorial Trusts. Councillor Gus Lines of Greensborough, who represented the Plenty area, was on the Heidelberg Shire Trust suggested to my father, F W Durham, that he would nominate him for a position on the Trust, so that Plenty could apply for a grant for a War Memorial. My father was duly elected and attended monthly meetings at the Town Hall at Ivanhoe. Hail, rain or shine my father would walk five miles from Plenty to the Lines residence, then travel by car to the meeting. At the time of the “winding up” of the Trust the two Plenty delegates had completed a 100% meeting attendance. Councillor Lines (an architect) drew up the plans for the Gates, in conjunction with the Shire Engineer and work commenced when Plenty‟s turn arrived for funds allocation. Maintenance needs to be carried out on the Gates at this point in time because some stonework is flaking, chipping and loosening. Perhaps a letter to the Council suggesting projects for the upgrading of the Park could include maintenance work on the Gates. Fred Durham 31
Present Day Community Monument The restored and refurbished Plenty War Memorial Gates are a worthy monument to all those persons from Plenty who served their country at the time of various conflicts. The Memorial Gates are a significant community asset and will be maintained by the Plenty Historical Society Inc. and its members, who have been proud to undertake this worthwhile project. In doing so, we acknowledge the forethought and efforts of the original Plenty War Memorial Community Centre Committee in establishing the Memorial following World War II. 32
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ADDENDUM
Committee Members Names included in the Minutes of Plenty War Memorial
Community Centre Committee
Bagley, K
Beale, R 1st Meeting Elected Secretary, Resigned 13/10/1949
Brereton, A 1st Meeting Elected Auditor
Brereton, Mrs 1st Meeting
Durham, F W* 1st Meeting Elected as Division Representative on
Central Trust and later as Secretary of
Committee following resignation of R Beale.
Elwers, L 1st Meeting
Elwers, Mrs L 1st Meeting
Elwers, Cr. W* 1st Meeting Elected President
Fellows, S
Fellows, Mrs S
Gawne, Mr
Healy, Mr
Laidley, J
Lierse, B 1st Meeting Elected Vice President
Thomas, R
Upton, J Elected to Committee 14/2/1950
Upton, Mrs J Fund Raising, Beetle afternoons
Walker, C* 1st Meeting Elected Treasurer, later also elected as Vice
President in addition on resignation/retirement
of B Lierse
Walker, Mrs 1st Meeting Resigned 13/10/1947, Re-elected 29/11/1948;
Fund Raising, Beetle afternoons
White, H
White, K
Wilson, J 1st Meeting
Wilson, L 1st Meeting
Wilson, Mrs L Fund Raising, Beetle afternoons
All persons who attended the first Public Meeting held on 24th September 1945 were
elected to the initial Committee.
* Persons who maintained continuous membership Committee from 1945 until 1953.
(Apart from the 12 months during which she was president of the Plenty School
Mothers‟ Club, Mrs Walker would also have maintained continuous membership of
the Committee.
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