Thursday, 12 May 2022

South Africa and China memorial

Mr HAMER (Box Hill) (17:23): (6365) My adjournment is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, who I am very pleased to see at the table this evening. The action that I seek is the permanent relocation of the South Africa and China memorial from its current site in Whitehorse Road to the Box Hill Gardens as part of the Suburban Rail Loop project.

The South Africa and China memorial commemorates the service of the men from the Box Hill district who fought in the Boer War in South Africa and as part of an international force in China during what was known as the Boxer Rebellion. The memorial is the sole remaining war memorial in the Whitehorse Road median strip. In 2008 all other war memorials were relocated from the median strip to the west side of the Box Hill Gardens in close proximity to the Box Hill RSL, where they have become a key focus for well-attended local Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services. Unfortunately this has meant that the South Africa and China memorial is not incorporated into these services.

The Suburban Rail Loop east environment effects statement that was released in late 2021 noted that damage to existing monuments and structures located in the Whitehorse Road median strip would be avoided or minimised with their temporary relocation during construction works and appropriate reinstatement following completion of project works. The construction of this once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure project presents a unique opportunity to relocate this important memorial to sit alongside other war memorials in Box Hill Gardens and be included in annual commemorative services. Relocating the South Africa and China memorial to the Box Hill Gardens will greatly heighten awareness of these two conflicts and contribute to the enhancement of the memorial park that is being developed in the gardens. It will also allow the descendants of those who fought in those conflicts to pay their respects in a peaceful and reflective environment. The relocation of this memorial as part of this project would mean a great deal to the veteran community of Box Hill as well as the Box Hill sub-branch of the RSL. I look forward to the minister’s response.