Eternal Flame to be reignited after $130,000 upgrade

Eternal Flame to be reignited after $130,000 upgrade - 20 February 2015

Wagga Wagga’s Eternal Flame in the Victory Memorial Gardens will be reignited on Tuesday following a $130,000 upgrade.

The project began in October last year and is a jointly funded initiative between Wagga Wagga City Council, Wagga RSL Club, the RSL Sub Branch and the Federal Government to upgrade the flame as part of marking the Anzac Centenary.

Works started with the demolition of the existing pond fence, Eternal Flame pond structure, overhead timber beams, brick piers and planter boxes.

A new six-metre diameter pond with a locally designed Eternal Flame sculpture has been constructed. The new pond also features a concrete ring around it with LED lights and three new brass cover plates displaying the words “Vigilance”, “Sacrifice” and “Liberty” to appropriately represent the significance of the flame.

The area surrounding the pond and the entrance gates have also been refurbished.

WWII Veteran and the oldest member of the Wagga RSL Sub-Branch Colin Bell will relight the flame to mark the occasion.

Media opportunity

What: Eternal Flame relighting.
Who: Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Rod Kendall, Wagga RSL Sub-Branch President Kevin Kerr, Senior Naval Officer RAAF Wagga Lieutenant Commander Patmore, Commandant ARTC Kapooka Colonel Jobson CSC, Commandant RAAF College Group Captain Jones, Daryl Maguire MP, Wagga Police Superintendent Bob Noble, President RSL Club Ltd John Keyes.
Representatives from Ex-Service groups Vietnam Veterans, Korean Veterans, National Servicemen’s Association, Ex-Servicewomen’s Association and Wagga Legacy will also be in attendance, along with representatives from local schools.
When: Tuesday 24 February, 10.30am
Where: Eternal Flame, Victory Memorial Gardens