Pioneer & Early Settler MemorialPrint Page

The monument commemorates the pioneers who settled the district.

At a community meeting in February 1999 it was suggested that a monument honouring pioneers of Underbool district be established at the highway rest area. Initially plaques naming pioneers were to be displayed within a native tree plantation. Later it was proposed that a monument to district pioneers be erected featuring a large local rock.

Families were invited to donate the cost of a plaque which would identify the pioneer with brief details of arrival time, occupation/land selected. Response from descendants of pioneers was outstanding and it was obvious that a large structure would be necessary to accommodate all plaques.

Design Features

• Railway segment leading to the rock signifies rail preceding opening of the district making settlement possible.
• Circular 'wheel' around the rock remembers the importance of wagons for transport of early settlers, their supplies and produce.
• Paved coloured segments in the wheel represent fallow land and golden crops.
• Gypsum reminds of the importance of the salt industry for employment and income so many during drought/depression years of early times.
• Shadow figures recall early images.

Location

Details

Dedication