Slacky Flat memorial to be restored

The much-neglected Slacky Flat memorial at Bulli.

The Bulli Woonona War Memorial at its original location at the corner of Hopetoun Street and the Princes Highway.

By MICK ROBERTS.

THE dilapidated First World War cenotaph at Slacky Flat is to be restored as part of the federal government’s ANZAC Centenary funding.
The Woonona-Bulli RSL Sub-branch, in partnership with Wollongong City Council successfully applied to the ANZAC Centenary Local Grant Funding program for $10,650 to restore the monument.
The sandstone cenotaph with marble plaques will be hand cleaned and retapped.
The work will also include pressure cleaning the apron, while the damaged lettering of the 242 local men listed on the memorial will be repaired and repointed.
Federal MP for Cunningham Sharon Bird said she was pleased the funding had been approved.
“As celebrations and events get underway to remind us of the sacrifice and bravery of so many Australians one hundred years ago, I am very glad that the small communities across the nation have had the opportunity to see local memorials and events being supported and funded, Ms Bird said.
“The human impact of World War I was felt very sharply in small communities across our country as so many of their young men went away to war and, tragically, so many didn’t return.
“In  towns like Bulli everyone knew everyone else and each loss would have been felt deeply in every household.”
Ms Bird said the monument at Slacky Flat clearly needs restoration work.
“It commemorates the 242 men from that community who served in World War I, including 40 who were killed,” she said.
A Wollongong City Council spokesperson said the restoration of the war memorial is planned to be completed in February or March next year prior to the April ANZAC Day celebrations. “Council is currently sourcing appropriately skilled specialist contractors who are able to complete this work consistent with the heritage requirements,” the spokesperson said.