By Cameron Weston
A SMALL pocket of land in Spotswood could become a memorial for those who helped Australia in times of war.
And not only for the men and women who fired and fled from the bullets and bombs.
A group of residents wants Hobsons Bay City Council to agree to upgrade Veterans Reserve, on the corner of Mary St and Melbourne Rd.
They want the park redesigned to reflect the contribution of the broader community to the war effort, not just the soldiers and nurses who ventured overseas and into harm’s way.
It would be re-named Commemoration Park.
Spokesman Brad Matheson said the small park, barely bigger than a standard house block, was uninviting and not very appealing to the community in its present state.
It stands adjacent to the Spotswood RSL and features an artillery gun.
Mr Matheson said Hobsons Bay had a proud history in defending Australia that continued today through oil, shipping, dockyards and railways in the area.
He said the memorial proposed by the group would not be a monument to the military but would be community focused.
“The memorial would honour the servicemen, but for every one soldier that went to war, there were seven people supporting them.
“So we are talking about a community memorial, not just a veterans’ memorial.”
Mr Matheson said the group would seek community help to raise cash, but would also need council support.
He said the group had raised the plan with Spotswood Ward councillor Bill Baarini, who had given his support.
Phillip McDonald, director of works and assets for the Hobsons Bay Council, said the issue of revamping the park had not been officially raised.
“Until they submit it officially, we can’t form a view about supporting or funding the concept,” Cr McDonald said.
“But, if it has community benefit, I’m sure we will be right behind it and look at ways we can lend our support.”
Jean King, a war widow, first raised the idea of redeveloping Veterans Reserve in 2001 with the Spotswood RSL.
She said the plan was small-scale and simple, but it was appropriate for the community of Hobsons Bay.
“We’re not proposing to put a grand monument in there.
“An engraved obelisk, set on a plinth with paths, a couple of park seats and two or three more trees is all we want.”
Mrs King said the group received a positive response form the community, with many local businesses pledging to support the project.
Spotswood RSL supported the redevelopment, with president Mark Gillespie saying the proposed plan would recognise the wider community who supported veterans on active service.
