Gosford war memorial to be repaired – but grounds still unsafe

Gosford War Memorial is one of 20 across the state to receive a grant from the NSW Government’s $125,000 Community War Memorials Fund.

Gosford RSL Sub-Branch President, Greg Mawson, said the $10,000 received from the fund would be used to renovate the memorial, which is rotting from the inside.

“The cenotaph has deteriorated over many years to the point where it is now absolutely trashed,” he said.

Repairs will be tricky as the memorial cannot be sand blasted.

“There are a lot of things you can’t do to it – it has to be repaired the right way,” Mawson said.

But even when the memorial is repaired, Mawson said the site cannot be used for official gatherings.

“The grounds are too unsafe to use,” he said.

“There are exposed tree roots everywhere – I am afraid someone might have a bad accident – and the retaining wall to the lower level is slipping away.”

Mawson said the grounds themselves were the responsibility of Central Coast Council.

“We’ve been told the repairs would cost around $500,000,” he said.

“The Moreton Bay figs around the cenotaph have to go – their roots are tearing up the memorial.”

The Sub-Branch had to divert ANZAC Day services to Kibble Park this year because of the poor condition of the cenotaph and surrounds and will do the same for Remembrance Day on November 11.

A Council spokesperson said while Council undertakes basic vegetation maintenance including mowing, brush cutting, litter removal, mulching and pruning, the extreme wet weather over the last few months has resulted in continual waterlogged ground conditions.

“This has hampered regular maintenance,” the spokesperson said.

“As weather conditions improve, the grounds should return to a move usable condition.

“In relation to exposed tree roots, largely from the fig trees, Council’s crew mulches the roots to alleviate trip hazards, however removal of the roots entirely would make the fig trees unstable and thus a risk.”

The spokesperson said Council would need to inspect the retaining wall referred to before it can comment on any works which may be required and an inspection would be made this week.

“Regarding any tree removal, the RSL will need to make contact with the relevant area in Council to make a formal request,” the spokesperson said.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney, David Elliott, said war memorials help local communities commemorate the sacrifice of service men and women and reflect more than 100 years of service and sacrifices made by our veterans.

“On Anzac Day communities gather at their local war memorials to pay respect and honour our diggers – it is vitally important these memorials are protected to ensure all generations understand and remember the sacrifices made during the war,” he said.

Round 2 of the Community War Memorials Fund will open on Remembrance Day, November 11, and close on February 13, 2023.

Terry Collins