A CENTURY of war service linked to the Penola district has been immortalised through specially-designed pavers for the Town Square commemorative walk, with the final touches being placed on the latest remembrance pieces.
The names and service details of the district’s residents who served in the armed forces – including World War II soldier settlers – have been hand-painted in golden paint ahead future installation.
The Town Square committee discussed the option for the commemorative walk with the Coonawarra and Penola Returned and Services League (RSL) which actively sought the information before passing it on.
Coonawarra and Penola RSL president Peter DeGaris said the pavers were an important part of the community’s town square, with the branch actively seeking information on the district’s war connections.
“When the Town Square committee decided it would put down the pavers they asked the RSL if we would be happy to assist and of course we said yes,” Mr DeGaris said.
“We worked out who had done active service and had quite a few meetings, calling local identities with knowledge of those who had done active service and started a list of names from there.”
Mr DeGaris said the process was ongoing and had been complicated given the breadth of information available.
“It is ongoing and those in the committee are looking to put down the third batch of pavers but we just cannot get everybody down there as there were no formal records other than war memorials,” he said.
“We did cross check as best as we could but it is not always possible to get everyone.”
Mr DeGaris said the pavers would importantly recognise active serving soldiers while playing a broader role.
“We at the RSL hope the pavers will give recognition to those who have served but also allow the community to know more about our past military service and recognise the past,” he said.
“We need to recognise their service and the pavers are up to date as far as we are concerned and go back as far as the Boer War.”
