Plenty Historical Society

After a prolonged delay in commencing our Restoration Project, because of the development and implementation of the Master Plan for the Park by Nillumbik Shire Council, we are at last about to begin the project. Council has approved plans drawn up by Dennis Ward and we have been seeking acceptable quotes for the initial paving work and straightening of the damaged pillars to be undertaken.

Some small amendments will need to be made to the plans to fit in with the conditions of the area, but hopefully, by the time this newsletter issues, this work will have commenced. Our objective is to have the project fully completed by April of this year and for a Re-dedication Ceremony to be held around Anzac Day. This is the first major project to be undertaken by the Society, and it is one that will make a significant impact on the entrance to the Park and improve an important public asset for the benefit of the Plenty community.

In association with the Restoration Project, research into the early history of the Memorial Gates is currently being undertaken. We have been able to access from the archives of Banyule City Council, the minute book of the Plenty War Memorial Community Centre Committee, formed at a public meeting of which took place on the 24th September 1945. The following people attended the meeting and accepted nomination to the Committee: Cr W Elwers, Mrs L Elwers, Mr L Elwers, Mrs Walker, Mr R Beale, Mr J Wilson, Mrs Brereton, Mr B Lierse, Mr Durham, Mr L Wilson, Mr J Wilson, and Mr H White.

The inaugural officers of the Committee were:

• President: Cr W Elwers
• Vice President: Mr B Lierse
• Secretary: Mr R Beale
• Treasurer: Mr J Walker
• Auditor: Mr A Brereton

This Committee had the responsibility for raising funds for the planned Memorial and operated until 1953, some two years after the Memorial Gates were dedicated. We are currently seeking the minutes of the Heidelberg War Memorial Trust, established under the auspices of the then Heidelberg City Council. This Trust undertook oversight of the various local community committees and was responsible for the overall financing of the War Memorials. It consisted of representatives of the various local committees. To date we have not been able to locate this latter minute book but the search goes on. We plan to produce a book on the history of the Memorial Gates and intend to seek stories from local families with members in the services and associated with the Gates.