A flicker of gold dances in the wind. It’s the Eternal Flame at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. This isn’t just any flame. It’s a beacon a symbol of remembrance for those who served Australia.
The Eternal Flame was part of Ernest Milston’s winning design for the Shrine’s Second World War Memorial Forecourt. Inspired by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Belgium it was a competition winner in 1949. The flame’s exposed location required a special burner. Don Bell from the Gas and Fuel Corporation helped create it.
Queen Elizabeth II lit the Eternal Flame on February 28 1954. It has burned continuously ever since. The flame is fuelled by natural gas. It sits in a small copper brazier within a larger bronze bowl. Multinet Gas supplies the gas and maintains the Eternal Flame. They even designed a new burner head in 2019 replicating a poppy flower. This ensured the flame’s continued brilliance.
Before the Eternal Flame’s first lighting Melbourne had a long history with gas. It started appearing in the late 1850s. By the 1880s gas networks were being rolled out across the city.
The Eternal Flame is more than just a flame. It’s a symbol of hope and remembrance. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who sacrificed everything. It serves as a focus for ceremonies and is saluted during marches.
Visitors often lay wreaths here. The Eternal Flame is a truly special part of Melbourne’s history. It embodies the enduring memory of Australia’s fallen. It is a constant reminder of their sacrifice a flame that burns eternally in their honor.