By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE FIRST stage of a $130,000 Vietnam Veterans memorial in North Geelong should be finalised by Christmas.
Geelong Vietnam Veterans Association President Reiny Nieuwenhof said the three-stage project envisaged a “legacy memorial of national significance”.
Mr Nieuwenhof said the association planned to have the project completed by 2016 in time for the 50th anniversary of one of the crucial engagements of the conflict, the Battle of Long Tan.
The first stage would replace dead and missing trees to restore the avenue of honour to its former glory, he said.
Mr Nieuwenhof said new signage would be in place by Christmas to replace existing signs obscured by vegetation.
The project included the restoration of former Osborne Park gates, re-attaching their Osborne Park nameplate and creating a path through to a small memorial park on the corner of Swinburne St, he said.
The project proposes installation of a series of interpretive panels, including one with the names of all 521 diggers who lost their lives in Vietnam.
The association also wants to erect a Long Tan cross in the grounds of Osborne Park near its Lone Pine.
Mr Nieuwenhof said the association’s fundraising activities for the project included a buy-a-paver appeal and sponsorships for the panels.
The association was still negotiating with council over moving a community billboard in the avenue of honour because it disrespected the memory of fallen diggers, he said.
