A new memorial to honour Australia’s World War I veterans was unveiled on Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Bruce Billson. “The memorial pays special tribute to the some 3,000 veterans who, upon their return home from the war, helped build the Great Ocean Road from the rocky cliffs and bluffs along Victoria’s beautiful but rugged south west coast,” Mr Billson said.

The road itself, which spans some 400 kilometres, was built by the veterans as a memorial to all those Australians who died during World War 1. “The new memorial is located at the famous archway entry to the Great Ocean Road and will honour the dedication, courage, mateship and teamwork of our World War I veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice during their service to our nation,” Mr Billson said.

Today’s memorial unveiling coincides with the Great Ocean Road’s 75th anniversary and is part of 2007 celebrations to mark the event. The Australian Government contributed $12,000 in funding for the memorial under the Saluting Their Service commemorations program.“The Saluting Their Service program provides an important source of funding for community and ex-service organisations that are committed to preserving Australia’s wartime heritage and remembering our servicemen and women,” he said.

“The new memorial, which features a stunning sculpture, will provide veterans, their families and friends, as well as national and international visitors, with a place to recognise the service and sacrifice of Australia’s World War I veterans” Mr Billson said in the lead up to Anzac Day the new memorial was a fitting tribute and he congratulated the local community for its efforts in bringing the project to fruition. “Our nation is indebted to those courageous Australians who put their lives on the line in the service of Australia, and the Government remains resolute in its commitment to honour them and their place in history,” he said.