Anzac Park’s landscape is changing to unveil a meaningful project. 

Circular Head Council’s works team has been levelling out the Smithton park to allow for the Circular Head RSL World War I Centenary Committee’s memorial trail project. 

The vision, committee member Lizzy Gale said, is to recognise Circular Head veterans and their sacrifices in a reflective space. 

“Our project is to create a living memorial trail by planting an avenue of trees in honour of the World War One soldiers that were killed in action or died of wounds,” Lizzy said. 

An engraved paver will be placed by each tree with the name and service number of the soldier it is dedicated to. Pavers will be placed in alphabetical order. 

The trail will weave through Anzac Park and end with an archway similar to that of the existing arch at the King Street entrance to the park. 

A plaque will also be placed at the start of the memorial trail listing information on the First World War and Circular Head’s involvement, and a QR code with links to the Australian War Memorial website. 

When the centenary committee formed in 2013, Circular Head recognised 84 veterans who enlisted in the region. As research has continued, the committee now knows of 91 veterans and as such, 91 trees will be planted along the memorial trail. Planting began last week and it is hoped that the project will be unveiled on Remembrance Day on Monday November 11 when the shrubs are blossoming. 

The project is jointly funded with grants from the 2018 Centenary of Armistice Grants Program, the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grant Program, Circular Head Council, Circular Head RSL Women’s Auxiliary and the Circular Head RSL Sub Brach Committee. However, the centenary committee still has a shortfall of funds. If you would like to purchase a paver or tree, or make a donation, contact Lizzy Gale on 0428 142 869 or Rod Wells on 0408 522 249. 

Circular Head RSL World War I Centenary Committee members Sue Popowski, Rod Wells, Lizzy Gale and Jason Chatwin in Anzac Park where the committee’s latest project, a memorial trail, weaves through the Smithton park.