MP secures funding for ANZAC Memorial Garden shelter

Posted December 16, 2019

The ANZAC Memorial Garden at Macclesfield will soon have a shelter thanks to a $10,000 grant secured by the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.

Photograph: Macclesfield Football Club Vice President Eric Toome, left, club representative Shane Bartlett, Macclesfield RSL Vice President Mark Stewart-Jones and Macclesfield Men’s Shed Chairman Ken Smith show the plans for the ANZAC Garden shelter to Rebekha Sharkie MP.

The money will allow members of the Macclesfield RSL, the Macclesfield Men's Shed and the Macclesfield Football Club to roll out up their sleeves and construct the off-the-shelf structure themselves.

“The decade-old garden continues to grow in both scale and popularity, and it now requires a shelter to provide a protected space for visitors to the garden during inclement weather,” Rebekha said.

“I was pleased to learn when the Maccy RSL approached me about negotiating funding for the structure that they already had the Men’s Shed and the Football Club on board and all three groups viewed this project as an opportunity to build community.

“Both the Men's Shed and the Football Club will donate not only their time and expertise but also the funds to purchase a proportion of the materials.

“This project will provide an opportunity for mentorship, to give local residents the chance to get to know and better understand the ex-service personnel and the contributions they have made to our country.

“In everything they do, the Macclesfield RSL brings the community with them and I applaud them for this inclusiveness.”

Macclesfield RSL President Dennis Oldenhove thanked Rebekha for her support.

“Community projects like this Memorial Garden are a labour of love for local volunteers, but funding them can be a real struggle but for the fantastic advocacy we have had from Rebekha,” Dennis said.

“Rebekha has been a long-time supporter of our local veteran community and this is another great example of that.

“From its inception the Memorial Gardens has had ‘community’ at its core.

“It has been designed, built and maintained by locals.

“Many of Macclesfield’s local clubs and groups have contributed in various ways which helps build a sense of ownership and pride in local places of interest.

“This shelter will further enhance the ability for visitors to spend time in the garden commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australia’s men and women in times of war.

“It will afford visitors greater access to the Memorial Garden all year round as well as create a space to cater special events and commemorations.

“Access and inclusion are high priorities for this special garden to allow visitors the time and space to fully engage with this reflective and commemorative experience.”