Nathalia Cenotaph Restoration

After three years of grant applications and only partially completed jobs because of a lack of money, the Nathalia Cenotaph restoration is finally underway.

Thanks mainly to the Nathalia Bendigo Community Bank, the final but significant parts of the project have started. Residents might have already seen Butlers Electrical digging around the memorial in order to re-instate the lighting of the flags at night but more importantly, to remove the outdated and ugly switchboard from rear of the memorial and to provide protected power to the Northern end of the plantation. This power is needed for the various carnivals and events that we hold throughout the year.

Another part of the project is replacing the missing letters and damaged names that are on the two stone walls. Additionally, there are at least two names missing from Nathalia residents that enlisted or were conscripted to serve in Vietnam. Their omission has been distressing for the RSL, who have struggled to get the finance needed, as well as finding a practical solution to add the missing names.

This is a once in a generation opportunity for people to put forward the names of those they believe are missing or whose names are damaged or spelt incorrectly. President of the local RSL, Mackenzie Craig, is asking anybody with information to contact him on 0418 489 491 or email mackenzie@llanreath.com.au as works need to get underway shortly in order to be completed by ANZAC Day.