The Andrews Labor Government will build a new, permanent memorial to commemorate the brave local diggers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced $184,000 to build a monument with the names of the 64 fallen soldiers from the Werribee area.

Each of the names will be etched into individual bluestone blocks which will form two rounded walls to represent the shape of a poppy, a flower which commemorates people who have died in war.

The centre of the monument will feature a tall granite structure with the Australian Rising Sun badge and the Sword of Sacrifice, a commonly used symbol on war memorials.

A gravel path leading to the memorial will feature rosemary, a plant found across Gallipoli where our troops landed in 1915 and the red Anzac Rose.

Located at the corner of Princes Highway and Cherry Street, the memorial will mark the start of Werribee’s Avenue of Honour, which was established on the Princes Highway in 1918.

A plaque will be laid to mark the “Governor’s Tree”, a large Sugar Gum planted in 1928, at the corner of Princes Highway and Sneydes Road.

A new plaque on local basalt rock will be placed at the tree which celebrates William Calder, a former Country Roads Board chairman credited with the development of Victoria’s arterial road network.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

“The contributions made by our brave veterans will never be forgotten and this memorial will ensure future generations can visit and pay their respects to those locals who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“The Governor’s Tree is a local landmark and celebrates the enormous contribution of William Calder, who worked tirelessly to connect Victorians and provide us with the roads we rely on today.”