Federal Member for Aston, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, today announced that the proposed Knox Honour Roll Major Memorial at the Arboretum in Ferntree Gully has been formally approved by the Federal Government and will soon begin construction.
The Federal Government has now delivered $100,000 through the Centenary Grants Program to the Boronia RSL for the establishment of the Knox Honour Roll Memorial. An additional $80,000 will be made available from the Community Development Grants Program and will honour the $180,000 committed by Mr Tudge.
Concept plans have also been finalised and are available for comment and feedback at the Bayswater RSL, Boronia RSL and Alan Tudge’s Office.
Construction is due to commence in July in time for the formal opening on 1 November 2014, marking the 100th anniversary of the first Australian ship that departed for World War I.
The Knox Honour Roll Major Memorial has been developed by a Committee chaired by Mr Tudge and consisting of the Presidents or representatives of the major veterans associations in the area. The Knox Historical Society conducted the research.
The Honour Roll Memorial will recognise the defence force members from the Knox area who have died serving our nation. It will include tablets providing information about the major conflicts that our servicemen and women have been involved in.
Mr Tudge said that the memorial, once completed, will become one of the most important sites in our region.
“Finally, we will have one location which honours all those from the area who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
“The federal funding has now been delivered, and plans are nearing completion, which means that construction can soon begin.
“I am very proud of everyone who has worked so hard to make the Honour Roll Memorial a reality for the Knox community.” Mr Tudge said