Historical information

The Memorial Walls & Walkway came about as part of the Re Developement of the Forecourt of the Soldiers Memorial Institute (Bendigo Military Museum) and completed in 2008.There was a Wall on the north and south side of the building.
Discussions re some sort of Memorial(s) had gone on for several years with a number of plans and ideas being put forward.
A final Sub Committee was appointed in April 2010 of 4 people being Richards, Ball, Poustie and Harding. The first meeting was on May 20th with one apology and Ball chairing and over 3 hours a final plan was put together from all the previous plans and ideas. On the 21st measurements and photos were taken to draw up the final recommendations to Committee BDRSL. The recommendations in brief were: Five central plaques on the north wall with Unit/Association/Conflict/Service based plaques placed equally out on each side of the five central. On both the north & south walls at one end would be the lettering in large brass “Lest We Forget”.
Application for a plaque would be via a form, all plaques the same size and no individual names on.
The folder holds the minutes of the meeting and plans that would go to BDRSL for approval. A briefer version that would go to the Members of BDRSL for final approval. Two more copies used on the day. The application form. One page with initial plaque costs. Three pages with 6 photos per page showing the time line re placement of the plaques.
Brief time line.
April 2010. Final Sub Committee formed.
May 20/21st. First meeting of the Sub Committee.
May 24th.Plans approved by Committee BDRSL
June 21st. Plans approved by Members of BDSL.
June 23rd. Letters/forms go out to Associations,some 10 were eligible
City of Greater Bendigo Council approves plans.
Sept 2010. Ball & Poustie to now carry out the process.
April 2011. Over 3 days the 5 main plaques and 5 Association plaques are placed.
April 2011. Over 2 days the Lettering “Lest We Forget” is placed.
11.11.2011. The walls are dedicated.
2013 - 2025. Seven more plaques placed with last being so far on 27.3.2025.

The Walls remained equal each side of the Main 5 central until the Redevelopment of the Soldiers Memorial Institute and Museum in 2016 - 18 with the RH end plaque being removed for steps to be placed. This plaque was then placed on the LH end making uneven.

Physical description

Folder A4with plastic inserts, contents include Sub Committee minutes, plans & details of plaques and inscriptions to go on, photos showing proposed viewing, chronology of events & times, photo history showing plaques as placed on the walls.