Central Ward Councillor Chris Doohan said the new memorial, at Medowie Social on Ferodale Road, will provide a safe location for commemorations while improving the overall experience.

“There’s a number of problems with the current war memorial at Lions Park, such as lack of parking, limited space and poor visibility, which impact on services and pose a considerable safety risk,” Cr Doohan said.

“Our Council has worked closely with the Medowie RSL Sub Branch to find a more suitable location and to design a memorial that respectfully honours Australia’s servicemen and women while catering for growing crowds.

“As both a Royal Australian Air Force veteran and local Councillor, I am proud to have been able to help deliver this new memorial for Medowie.”

The memorial incorporates a corten steel silhouette of a lone soldier, alongside sandstone plinths and commemorative plantings like Gallipoli rosemary, Gallipoli roses and Grevillea Spirit of ANZAC. An Eternal Flame will be included at a later stage.

“This has been a passionate project of both Council and the Medowie RSL Sub Branch, so it’s wonderful that the community of Medowie will have a new memorial in time for ANZAC Day,” Cr Doohan said.

The project has been funded by the RSL Sub Branch, Council (Central Ward Funds) and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects.

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said she was pleased Federal funding had supported the project.

“It will enhance the experience of people who want to acknowledge those who served our country and pay their respects in a safe and pleasant environment,” Ms Swanson said.

“It is important that we commemorate the extensive military history associated with our region and continue to acknowledge our veterans and serving personnel.”

Medowie RSL Sub Branch President Ian Harding said it’s a great outcome for the community.

“With a growing population and the increasing popularity of the ANZAC Day dawn service, this new location will provide a safer environment to conduct memorial services,” Mr Harding said.

“We have worked closely with Council to ensure the new memorial is a modern and fitting place to reflect on the services of the Australian Defence Force.”

Council’s Facilities and Services Group Manager Greg Kable said planning is also underway to upgrade ANZAC Park at Raymond Terrace.

“Our war memorials are important places of remembrance for our community, which is why Council is working closely with local RSL Sub-Branches to improve the amenity and experience of attendees,” Mr Kable said.

“We’re currently working with the Raymond Terrace RSL Sub Branch on an upgrade of the memorial at ANZAC Park and look forward to sharing further details later this year.”

Construction of the Medowie war memorial is expected to be complete in early April.

For more information, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/projects