Sign 7 Memorial Rock

Australia- wide communities were touched by the First World War as many of their men enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force.  As the war progressed so many Australian boys and men lay dead in overseas lands with no chance that their bodies could be returned to their home lands.  Local committees were formed to erect monuments in recognition of their service and supreme sacrifice to their country.  In Bonnie Doon, the war memorial was officially unveiled on August 13, 1921. A newspaper article of the time reported the event as follows:

Monument at Bonnie Doon.

An imposing monument to the memory of those who served in the war has been erected at Bonnie Doon, near Mansfield.  It was unveiled recently in the presence of a large gathering of residents of the district and many visitors.  The ceremony of unveiling the monument was carried out by Major Bushell, who had been specially deputed for the task by Major General Sir John Gellibrand, who at the last moment found it impossible to attend.  The monument, which cost about £700 (subscribed by residents), consists of a column of polished granite, on which are inscribed in golden letters the names of l8 men who fell in the war, and 51 men and two nurses who returned after service.  Surmounting the column, there is a life size representation of an Australian soldier.  Major Bushell referred to the splendid record of the district, the great achievements of those who had represented it at the front, and had paid a fine tribute to the women at home who had so faithfully backed up those efforts in the Empire's cause. Kipling a Recessional was sung, and the Last Post and Reveille sounded. A photograph of the monument was reproduced in ''The Australasian" last week.

(Argus, Tuesday 13 September 1921, page 4)

The Unveiling Of The War Memorial In 1921.

The Statue Of An Australian Imperial Force Soldier At Its Original Spot In 1921.

Locals Posing On The Concrete Foundation Of The Original War Memorial In Winter 2009.

 Located at the corner of Wilson and Church streets, the Memorial Plaque commemorates the former site of the original Bonnie Doon War Memorial which was often used as a general gathering place by residents of the old township.

It was moved when the town was relocated for the enlargement of the Eildon Lake, the War Memorial's foundation becomes visible (see arrow) when the water level reaches 70% of capacity.