Restoration works at local memorial now underway

Historic artillery at the Weeping Mothers Memorial in Littleton Park, Gatton, will soon undergo a makeover all thanks to Lockyer Valley Regional Council and a Federal Government grant.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council successfully secured the grant through the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program.

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said restoration works to the historic military artillery at the Queensland heritage-listed site will include works to the field gun, anti-aircraft gun and mortar that surround the Memorial.

The guns will be removed off site to be repaired, sandblasted and repainted, she said.

Mayor Milligan said Littleton Park was a meaningful location for many in the Lockyer Valley.

Council, together with the Gatton RSL, holds the annual Anzac Day service at the Weeping Mothers Memorial to honour the sacrifice of our servicemen and women, past and present.

While this year's commemorations couldn't be held due to COVID-19 restrictions, more than 3000 people attended the Anzac Day services in 2019, which indicates just how much this Memorial means to so many in our region, Mayor Milligan said.

Council has engaged a host of local contractors to work on all aspects of the project, including: J & I Ziebarth Towing, who will transport the oversized item from the park to the workshop, and Lockyer Sandblasting, who will prepare and repair the items prior to painting.

Council officers will deliver other aspects of the required works while the Gatton Police will also assist the project by providing a police escort.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs National Manager of the Commemorations and War Graves Branch, Paul Nothard said the Department is pleased to be supporting the restoration of the field gun, anti-aircraft gun and mortar at the Weeping Mothers Memorial.

Through the STS program, the Department was able to provide Lockyer Valley Regional Council with $3,600 to help with the restorations, Mr Nothard said.This memorial is an important part of the Lockyer Valley community and through this work it will ensure generations to come will have a place to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of their local service personnel.The current round of STS is open for applications, and I encourage other community organisations or groups around the country that have a commemorative project in mind to apply for funding.The Weeping Mothers Memorial was established in April 1922 to honour the 68 local men who fell during World War I and was funded by the community. After World War II, 23 more names were added to honour the fallen and another two for servicemen who fell during the Vietnam War.The artillery is expected to be off-site for 7-10 working days, with reinstallation to occur after that. Residents are encouraged to follow safety signage located on-site while works are being undertaken.For more information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.