Ballan’s World War I service men and women will be commemorated with a new memorial.
Ballan’s Historical Society, the Returned Services League and District Health and Care have been working together on a We Remember: WWI Memorial, which will be placed in the front garden of the healthcare centre.
Ballan RSL president Bob Nason said everyone concerned was excited about the project.
The memorial will include the names of more than 800 men and women who served in WWI. Most of them are not listed on Ballan’s existing cenotaph.
“It’s important to remember the sacrifices they and their families made that allow us to lead the lives we do today,” Mr Nason said.
“Those who have gone off to serve the country allow us the freedom we enjoy today.”
Mr Nason hopes the accessibility and visibility of the memorial – which will include commemorative pavers, in- ground lighting and landscaping that will include Anzac roses – will help the names live on in the community’s memory.
The project has been funded by a number of organisations and is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
