Plans announced for national memorial to honour fallen lifesavers

Details of a national memorial to honour Australian lifesavers from across Australiawho died in combat were announced at 12 noon today, Tuesday 18 December, by Randwick Mayor Tony Bowen, Member for Kingsford Smith Peter Garrett and Member for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith.

The memorial will consist of an iconic bronze sculpture featuring a lifesaver and a soldier, a wall of remembrance, landscaping and terrace seating. It will be located overlooking the southern part ofCoogeeBeach. Internationally renowned sculptor Alan Somerville – perhaps best know for his bronze sculpture of a WWI Anzac soldier on theAnzacBridge– has been engaged to produce the sculpture.

Plans announced for national memorial to honour fallen lifesavers

Details of a national memorial to honour Australian lifesavers from across Australiawho died in combat were announced at 12 noon today, Tuesday 18 December, by Randwick Mayor Tony Bowen, Member for Kingsford Smith Peter Garrett and Member for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith.

The memorial will consist of an iconic bronze sculpture featuring a lifesaver and a soldier, a wall of remembrance, landscaping and terrace seating. It will be located overlooking the southern part ofCoogeeBeach. Internationally renowned sculptor Alan Somerville – perhaps best know for his bronze sculpture of a WWI Anzac soldier on theAnzacBridge– has been engaged to produce the sculpture.

A special consultation website www.yoursayrandwick.com.au/fallenlifesavers has also been established so people can find out more about the project and share stories about the 3,500 lifesavers who have died servingAustralia in war.

Mayor Tony Bowen paid tribute to the many Australian lifesavers who have given their lives in conflicts since World War I.

“There were more than 20 Surf Life Saving Clubs in Australia at the outbreak of World War I, and when the call went out for volunteers, a significant number of these volunteer club members signed up to defend our great nation and the freedoms we enjoy today.

“This national memorial will be a dignified place of reflection to honour fallen lifesavers from around our nation, and a beautiful place, looking out toCoogeeBeach, for the whole community to enjoy,” the Mayor said.

The Federal Member for Kingsford Smith Peter Garrett added, “It is timely that this crucial contribution to our local and national history is recognised, and I’m excited that the project is now on its way.”

The State Member for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith described Coogee as the ideal spot for such a memorial.

“Coogee has some of the earliest links to Surf Life Saving Australia, so there is no better place than Coogee Beach for a memorial recognising great service to our community in both times of peace and war,” he said.

Media Enquiries:         
Katie Moses      0420 277 567 katie.moses@randwick.nsw.gov.au
Josh Hay           0402 351 459 joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au