Light projection show in Memorial Square to pay “Homage to the Anzacs"
Published on 22 February 2019
Light projection show in Colac’s Memorial Square to pay “Homage to the Anzacs”
The cenotaph in Colac’s Memorial Square will become the focus of a light projection show, commemorating the Anzacs and potentially bringing people from across the region to Colac over the week leading-up to Anzac Day this year.
Council’s Acting Arts and Leisure Manager Paul Jane said Colac Otway Shire Council had worked with the local community and a range of organisations including Colac RSL, Colac Cemetery, Colac and District Family Group, Colac and District Historical Society and St Mary’s Parish to gather photographs and determine the content of the multi-media event.
“Images will be projected onto the Memorial for the week leading up to Anzac Day, including before the Dawn Service and on the night of April 25,” Mr Jane said.
“Creating a memorable event that engages and informs the Colac Otway communities and visitors ensures we continue to cultivate appreciation for this truly impressive landmark and preserve its historical significance.
“The project is supported by the 2018 Colac Memorial Square Master Plan which states "opportunities exist to activate the Square and diversify the visitor experience,” he said.
“The community organisations involved in helping gather images representing the First World War and guiding the content have responded extremely positive to the project and we are looking forward to talking to businesses about opportunities to extend trading hours and investigating other benefits from the week-long project.”
Council was successful in attracting a $40,000 grant through the Veterans Branch in the Department of Premier and Cabinet for funding under the Victoria Remembers Major Grant Program 2018-2019 towards implementation of the project to commemorate Anzac Day 2019.
Council will contribute the remainder of the cost towards the significant Anzac Day event which will showcase the Memorial, encourage more visitors to Colac from 19 to 25 April including over the Easter long weekend, and pay tribute to our servicemen and women.
Mr Jane said Council had allocated $28,000 to the significant project but was finalising insurance and security costs and expected the cost to be well below the allocation.”
Homage to the Anzacs, which will be proudly presented by Colac Otway Shire Council, is supported by the Victorian Government.
“The veteran community has done so much to make Victoria what it is today and these grants will help maintain their stories for future generations,” the Honorable Robin Scott MP, Minister for Veterans, said.
“I am proud to be able to continue the Victorian Government’s track record of supporting communities that are working hard to maintain our proud war heritage and pass it on to future generations.
“I encourage all ex-service organisations and community groups to consider applying for funding to support their activities.”
Artist impression Matthew Bonner - Bonart Multimedia
