The year in review

VICTORIA

Theft
Rose Trellises
New Crossings
Turf Renovations
Cross of Sacrifice
Refurbishment of Hay War Cemetery
General Activities

Theft

War cemeteries are increasingly the target of petty theft, in particular plants and irrigation equipment. A number of new plants and sprinkler heads were replaced at several of the country war cemeteries during the past year.

Rose Trellises

In August several walls began displaying damage where the rose trellises are affixed to brickwork. Structural engineers have now been engaged to inspect and provide recommendations to remedy the problem.

New Crossings

Early in 2002, new crossings were constructed by Springvale Necropolis at either end of the avenue between the Garden of Remembrance (GRM) and Springvale War Cemetery. The crossing at the southern end can be used by disabled persons to access the GRM, as well as for visiting the nearby facilities in the Necropolis.

	Staff using the new crossing

Turf Renovations

Annual turf renovations have been carried out in the Springvale War Cemetery and Garden of Remembrance. Work was undertaken by a contractor and involved verti-draining, scarifying, top dressing and oversowing. The area was also sprayed for cockchafer grubs and fungi.

Cross of Sacrifice

In September, scaffold was hired and erected around the Cross of Sacrifice at Springvale War Cemetery to enable cleaning by staff.

Refurbishment of Hay War Cemetery

On 14 October the Victorian State Manager, Mr Bob Archer, represented OAWG at the rededication of the recently refurbished Hay War Cemetery. Mr Archer gave the official address at the rededication. He also attended the rededication of the Boer War Memorial immediately following the war cemetery ceremony.

	Scaffolding around the Cross of Sacrifice

General Activities

At the Garden of Remembrance new direction signs have been erected to assist visitors in locating plaques. Horticultural work has been carried out at several of the country war cemeteries during the year. At Seymour War Cemetery, a new external garden bed was established along the eastern fence, while most of the large trees at the Benalla War Cemetery have been removed and the area replanted with shrubs. This work is consistent with the recommendations of the CWGC Director of Horticulture, Mr Derek Parker, after his visit in 2001. Commission headstone garden beds at the Albury War Cemetery have been renovated, with every second rose bush removed and replaced with alternative plants to add more variety to the horticulture. Many of the splash plants have also been replaced. Minor works were also carried out to turf at Tatura, Shepparton, Benalla and Seymour War Cemeteries during the year.

	The new direction signs at the Garden of Remembrance

I have only recently been able to visit the Victorian Garden of Remembrance to see the memorial plaque in memory of my late husband. I would like to thank all those involved in the design, construction and general maintenance of the Garden of Remembrance. It is a most beautiful and peaceful place and wonderful to see my husband’s name in the company of so many other servicemen. Many thanks to all responsible.

Just a note of appreciation and sincere thanks for arranging and organising the memorial for my late much loved husband’s resting place at the Kyabram Cemetery. You do a wonderful job, and there must be so very, very many, like me, who just don’t take all that you do for granted.