Woorinen Soldier SettlementPrint Page

The Monument commemorates the returned soldiers of World War One who pioneered the settlement of Woorinen and District. The monument is located at the site of the former Memorial Hall which has been demolished. 

Local residents have called on Swan Hill Rural City Council to ensure the future protection of a local war memorial. The call comes after council recently auctioned off land which was once the site of the Woorinen Soldiers Memorial Hall. Included in the sale of the half acre block was the permanent monument dedicated to the returned soldiers of World War One, who pioneered the settlement of the town on their return. The move has raised some concerns among residents.

The site, which dates back to the early 1920s, holds many fond memories for Carolyn Beauchamp, who recalls marching to the site during Anzac Day services. Acknowledging that the hall was in a state of disrepair, Ms Beauchamp said it was pulled down several years ago.

Although the site has been abandoned for some time, she said she was still surprised to find the monument had been included in the sale of the land. The site was one of three council-owned properties to go under the hammer late last month. "The three properties were considered surplus to council's requirements," a council spokesperson said. "Council consulted with local communities, advertising its intention to sell the properties, with no objections received. "The RSL sub-branch was heavily involved in the consultation process in the lead-up to the sale of this property."

President of the Woorinen RSL sub branch, Harold Heslop said the group had received assurance that the monument would be safeguarded under the new arrangement.

Swan Hill Rural City Council director of Corporate Services, David Lenton said the land was zoned as farming. He said as a condition of the sale, "the owner must not remove or alter the monument and must keep it neat and tidy."
Excerpt from The Guardian (Vic), 31 October 2018. 

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