General News
20 April, 2023
Historic day for iconic monument
TERANG celebrated an iconic part of the town’s history over the weekend.
TERANG celebrated an iconic part of the town’s history over the weekend.
The heritage-listed Terang War Memorial obelisk notched its centenary on Saturday after being first dedicated on Sunday, April 15, 1923.
Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel originally unveiled the 20-metre obelisk in 1923, along side Stewart Black of Glenormiston and William MacKinnon of Boorcan, both of whom funded the monument’s construction.
At the time of the unveiling, Sir Chauvel was quoted as saying Terang had been among the best districts in Australia for sending men to the front and supporting soldiers from home.
The monument was then gifted to the then Shire of Hampden for safekeeping in to the future.
A service was held at the monument on Saturday to celebrate the milestone, with members of the MacKinnon and Black families attending, including 5th, 6th and 7th generation descendants of Stewart Black and William MacKinnon.
They were joined by members of the Terang Returned and Services League (RSL) sub branch and members of the community, with wreaths laid in respect of those who served.
A plaque commemorating the milestone was also unveiled, and Corangamite Shire mayor Ruth Gstrein served as guest speaker.
Terang RSL sub-branch president Terry Fidge thanked those who braved the elements to attend the ceremony.
“We had a fantastic turn up considering it didn’t stop raining at the monument,” he said.
“It was pleasing to see so many people there.
“We had a small service as it was impractical to close the highway for such a small function, so we had traffic going around us, but everybody got in to the spirit.
“Most people came back to the RSL hall afterwards to dry out and enjoy a cuppa and a bit of afternoon tea.”
Mr Fidge thanked members of the Black and MacKinnon families for being there on the day, in honour of what their forebears had done for the community’s military history.
“Their ancestors supplied the funds for the installation of the monument,” he said.
“It has stood the test of time, has been standing for 100 years, and hopefully it will be there for many more Anzac Day parades and get-togethers.
“The memorial is an icon of the town.”
