Austinmer memorial given facelift in time for ANZAC Day service

The revamped and restored Austinmer War Memorial

WORK has finished on the extensive refurbishment of Austinmer’s War Memorial in time for Anzac Day next week.

Wollongong City Council’s crews started work on the project at Austinmer Beach earlier this year, which included a new level paved area for ceremonies and the construction of an accessible pathway between Lawrence Hargrave Drive and the memorial.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbury said people participating in Austinmer’s dawn service next Thursday will see a marked difference in this special space. The uneven and aged pavers and concrete path are gone and there is a new granite-clad low memorial wall that really emphasises the significance of the site.

“We know our community respects the sacrifice those who have fought for our country have made and we see this in the growing numbers who attend Anzac Day services across our City each year,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“We play an important role in maintaining and, where needed, upgrading the memorials to provide appropriate space for reflection. The work here at Austinmer is testament to Council’s commitment to look after our community’s valued assets and spaces.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to also acknowledge Council’s staff – both those on the ground and those behind-the-scenes developing the design and the landscaping – for their efforts. Especially with the challenge of working around to protect the heritage trees and ensure there was an equal access pathway. This is a much-improved space for our community.’’

The Austinmer dawn service is one of a number of services to be held in the northern Illawarra. For a full list and times visit: The Bulli Times Guide to 2019 ANZAC Day services