PENOLA’S Town Square project is well on its way to completion with the recent addition of over 80 commemorative pavers to the site.
In total 187 pavers will line the revamped public space, celebrating the service of Penola district residents in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Each paver is hand-painted with the names of those who served in the ADF, not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“The idea came up and we thought it would be a great way to honour everyone who has served,” Penola Town Square working group chair Catherine Robinson said.
“It is an ongoing project so anyone who serves will have their name on a paver.
“We have ordered extra pavers so eventually they can just be done one by one over the years.”
Now the commemorative pavers are nearing completion, the working group is setting its sights on an iconic sculpture for the space in addition to new picnic tables and benches.
“We currently have some tables on loan so we’re hoping to get some locally made for the square,” Ms Robinson said.
“We are also working on an artist brief for a new sculpture.
“Our idea is the spirit of pioneering women, so we’re hoping to capture that perfectly for the space.”
Like the recent Poet’s Corner additions, Ms Robinson said the group had turned to the local community to fundraise for the sculpture.
“We’re hoping to raise funds through the community instead of looking for another grant,” she said.
“We have been grateful to receive funding for the town square from council, but we would like to think it will be a solely community funded item.
“Poet’s Corner was so successful, so we’re hoping to replicate that again this time.”
