Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY BRIGADIER IAN ERRINGTON (RETD)
This Armistice Centenary War Memorial, located at the entrance to the Belmont Shooting Complex, is a State and National memorial.
The purpose of the ACWM is threefold:
- • Commemorate the more than 560 Riflemen of the QRA who made the supreme sacrifice in the First World War.
- • Acknowledge the contribution of Australia’s men and women from the many shooting disciplines to Australia’s defence, in peace and war.
- • Serve as a War Memorial for the local community.
The Commemorations Committee believes the ACWM will provide a suitable and significant venue for the many users of the Complex to effect important and sustainable community outreach through shared commemoration and ongoing education. These opportunities demonstrate in a tangible way that the Complex users, past and present, are an integral part of the broader community.
The committee is committed to holding ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services at the ACWM. It expects participation at future commemorative events to increase commensurate with the growth in the local community. The Committee is, of course, amenable to other commemorative events at the ACWM, such as Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
For Remembrance and Education
Apart from its visible commemorative purpose, the Armistice Centenary War Memorial has a close link with the QRA Museum where Honour Boards are already on permanent display together with other memorabilia. The QRA Museum is now working with the Commemorations Committee to re-establish the destroyed Honour Boards from the Spring Hill shooting complex, and the QRA Museum management has initiated a survey of clubs throughout the State to record the names of those men and women who served in World War II and in the wars and campaigns since 1946.
The Commemorations Committee has been working closely with local school communities to involve students in the commemorative observances and to encourage students to reflect on the sacrifices and honour the contributions of those who have served in the defence of Australia. This includes sponsoring educational competitions within the participating schools.
