Melton families are being asked to help with a special Anzac Day memorial this month.
As part of April 25 commemorations, 500 crosses will be laid on Melton Civic Centre’s lawn.
Partners of Veterans Association Melton sub-branch’s co-founder Carole Doyle said the initiative, now in its second year, is a way for people to thank former and current service people.
Ms Doyle said the effects of war are profound, not only on the soldiers, but their families. So, for some, the significance of the crosses is generational.
“It’s a way for people in the community to put their personal messages on a cross and [unite] the whole community in Melton,” Ms Doyle said.
“Usually there’s nowhere people can leave simple messages. I wanted more community involvement with Anzac Day … it was wonderful to see how many people got involved last year.”
The crosses have been carved by members of the Melton and Taylors Hill men’s sheds.
Ms Doyle’s husband Joe Doyle, a team leader at Melton Men’s Shed, said the blokes are eager to help.
Most money raised from the sale of the crosses will be donated to the Young Diggers, a group that trains dogs to support present and former Australian Defence Force members dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The commemorative crosses are available from Melton civic centre, the information centre and library, and, for a gold coin donation, can be placed in a marked area as of Monday, April 11.
A short-film Melton Anzacs – Remember Them will be screened in the Balam Balam room at Melton library on Monday, April 18 (2-4pm), Wednesday, April 20 (10am-noon), and Thursday, April 21 (6-8pm).
For more information, visit melton.vic.gov.au
