Kingborough Memorial Walk Group

A new and exciting concept that not only features a unique Memorial Walk but a Tourism “gateway” to the Channel and Huon areas as well as covering Military history.

The concept for a Kingborough Memorial Walk has been born out of the Kingston Beach RSL’s search for a long-term home and it’s gaining momentum fast.

There is a common view that the Kingborough area is “well overdue” to have a project such as this: The Kingborough community needs a Memorial Walk as a fitting tribute to all those who gave and are still giving Military service via our community. Many people from the area have given the supreme sacrifice to preserve our way of life and we the community owe it to them to create a fitting memorial.

Truly a Project of which all Tasmanians would be most proud.

To create a unique Memorial Walk and Parklands which could be the first of its type in Australia. It would focus on current conflicts, then walk backwards through history covering all conflicts in detail, back to when Captain Cook conflicted with our indigenous people. This group have not received the recognition they deserve and have been involved in all phases of our history ever since, including in defence of our country. (This is just one part of our history some of which remains untold).

There have been many conflicts in the history of our country and one thing is for sure, we cannot change history but we can acknowledge it and with the correct research the Memorial Walk could reflect this.

Mr Fuller (chairman of KBRSL future committee) is hopeful with Federal election campaigns in full swing, the project receives the support it deserves. Everyone we have spoken to have given “in-principal support” and he believes the project will quickly gain public support considering the 4,000/5,000 people who attended the last two ANZAC Day Dawn Services at Kingston Beach.

There are various possible sites for the concept, with option one being to surround the western/northern boundaries of previous High School site where recent walkways have been started.

To bring a project of this nature to fruition would take a lot of work and cooperation from all stakeholders, but the end result will make it worthwhile.

Find Us On Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kingboroughmemorialwalkgroup

Proposal Overview:

This document is designed to gather support for the need to create a unique Memorial Walk in the Kingborough area. It covers support, the project, finances and the process. We ask you to consider and show your support via email please.

This is an exciting project for the Kingston area and proposes forming a group of supporters ie: “Friends of Kingborough Memorial Walk”.
The group would be representative of numerous people in Kingston and surrounding areas with a common view that the Kingborough community needs a Memorial Walk as a fitting tribute to all those who gave, and are still giving Military service via our community.

This group of like-minded people will give voice to the concept, thus instigating pressure to the various bodies that would bring this project to fruition. Those bodies being Federal, State, Local Governments, RSL, Local Businesses as well as Indigenous group support.

It is envisaged the group would quickly grow to 5,000 and continue to grow. It would be underpinned by the estimated crowds of 4,000/5,000 who have attended each of the last two ANZAC Day Dawn Services

It would involve the general community, ratepayers, local residents, community organisations, sporting bodies, general health fitness & well being groups as well as local businesses and would generate a “community drive” involving petitions and statements of support including an active social media campaign as well as involving the local Kingborough Chronicle all as part of seeking support from politicians, local government and all stakeholders.

The Project:

Truly a Project of which all Tasmanians would be most proud.

To create a unique Memorial Walk and Parklands which could be the first of its type in Australia. It would focus on current conflicts, then walk backwards through history covering all conflicts, back to when Captain Cook conflicted with our indigenous people. This group have not received the recognition they deserve and have been involved in all phases of our history ever since, including in defence of our country.

The project involves developing local/federal/state government owned land into public open space incorporating a Memorial Walk, open parkland, lifestyle fitness tracks, picnic areas, playgrounds, and similar activities to be used by varying groups within the whole community.

The main entry would feature a mini-museum outlining the reasons behind the Memorial, with visual displays. It could also include Tourist information along the line of Taste of Kingborough/Huon areas. It would attract and be utilized by tourists, general public, school educational groups, sporting bodies, Scouts & Girl Guides, general fitness and well being fitness groups, service organizations all of which would support the concept.

Incorporated within the project would be a suitable venue to house the Kingston Beach RSL Club/Sub Branch with areas set aside for younger current Military service personnel, whether still serving or recently returned (this group is not currently being looked after).

This proposal allows for developing many ideas and additions, such as Flame/walls of remembrance, tree art statues, plaques and include various contributions from community groups.

One of the issues many ratepayers and general community has is the lack of a suitable memorial and parkland to honour those who gave and continue to give the supreme sacrifice for our community and country. Most communities around Australia have such areas. This project would be unique to Tasmania.

To bring a project of this nature to fruition would involve a power of work and co-operation from all stakeholders.

It will require passion, vision and desire but there is no reason why it could not be achieved.

Finance:

It is envisaged that the project be financed by Federal, State and Local Government grants. Also input from the RSL and possibly from businesses on certain areas.
The estimated cost is $4 million and this depends on land acquisition and various other factors. It is proposed that the club invests in project by engaging consultants to “kick start” the project. These consultants would develop this proposal and produce documentation including, concept drawings, 3-D computer fly-over images, artists impressions also to liaise with Canberra War History, RSL bodies and associated Governments bodies. It would also work through financial and legal matters.
They would also get all stakeholders together to establish the specific requirements of all involved.

Furthermore it has been suggested that interested parties form an incorporated body/partnership with stakeholders. It’s main aim to develop and oversee the Memorial Walk project. This body could be the main driving engine to oversee the project. It would arrange and apply for funding and seek commitments from political and other groups. It could engage consultants to prepare documentation as mentioned above.

Alternately, appoint a Management team from KBRSL to oversee the Memorial Project.

Conclusion:

This is an exciting project and one of which all Tasmania would be most proud.

It is intended that we establish a data base containing details of all supporting the project as well as develop a social media group and an on-line web page. This will form a powerful lobby group.

Your in-principal support to this proposal would be much appreciated.

Document prepared by Dennis Fuller, dated May 19th 2016

Patron/Chairman of KBRSL Future venue subcommittee
Mr Dennis Fuller – Chairman, Mr Peter Bignold – Media Liaison