Wartime lifesavers commemorated
Image: State Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith (right) at the unveiling of the surf lifesaver memorial
A homage to the Australian wartime contribution will be displayed in a new memorial to be built this October in South Coogee.
The sculpture will play tribute to Australian lifesavers who gave their lives in World War 1.
“This memorial commemorates one fundamental thing, our ability as Australians to put aside our own concerns and to volunteer for a greater good,” said Randwick Mayor Tony Bowen.
The sculpture will represent a digger alongside a surf lifesaver – seen 20 times their actual size – next to a flagpole looking across the ocean.
“You see that attitude every day in lifesaving, it’s not about not glorifying war – it’s a tribute to the commitment and selflessness that I believe is still prevalent in younger generations,” said Mr Bowen.
The memorial is estimated to cost over $950,000 – a sum which will be contributed to by the State and Federal Governments.
“When the memorial is completed the area will be open and landscaped,” said Mr Bowen. “There will be no loss of public space, all levels of government have committed to the proposal and will support the memorials completion.”
The memorial will be designed by acclaimed sculptor Alan Sommerville, who created the famous diggers sculpture seen on the Anzac Bridge.
“Our local surf lifesavers are, for good reason, held in high regard in the eastern suburbs,” said Randwick Councillor Pat Garcia.
“They care for our lost children, put ice on our stings and they proceed into dangerous surf, when the rest of us are trying to get out of it.
“The memorial to fallen lifesavers will not just honour the sacrifice of those brave lifesavers who lost their lives in defence of the nation. It will also honour the continuing service of our lifesavers and the members of our defence force.”
Mr Garcia is also a former club captain of Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club, an Australian Army Reservist and a member of the Memorial to Fallen Lifesavers Trust.
“This memorial is a wonderful reminder to our children of the importance of civic duty in our society and community today,” said Mr Garcia.
