Mordialloc Cenotaph War memorial

On a crisp autumn afternoon in 1915, a seed of remembrance was sown in Mordialloc. The idea for the Mordialloc Cenotaph began to take root. The Great War raged, and news of loss filtered back home, stirring the community. Mordialloc residents yearned to honor their own. The Mordialloc Cenotaph War Memorial stands as a testament to their commitment. Initially, the plan was for a grand memorial fountain. It was decided to wait until the war’s end to create something truly special. The chosen location was the junction of Beach and Nepean Roads, a prominent spot in Mordialloc. The original committee formed in 1915 envisioned a fountain adorned with a plaque. This plaque would bear the names of all local soldiers who enlisted. The estimated cost was £400, a considerable sum in those days. Fundraising began, but the main appeal was postponed to avoid conflicting with a YMCA campaign. The war ended in 1918. The memorial project gained renewed momentum. A public meeting was held, and a new committee formed. Interestingly, a debate arose regarding the form the memorial should take. The newly formed Returned Sailors and Soldiers Association favored a memorial hall. They saw this as a more fitting tribute. However, the original fountain committee held firm. They argued that the funds collected were specifically designated for a fountain. Legally, they couldn’t be repurposed. Undeterred, the fountain committee pressed on with their plans. They divided the district into sections and assigned collectors. A local woman, Miss Muholland, organized a bazaar that raised over £60. The bazaar offered a delightful array of goods. Cakes, sweets, flowers, and even a “hoop la” added to the festive atmosphere. Years passed, and finally, in 1924, the Mordialloc Cenotaph War Memorial neared completion. Hoskin and Company of Hawthorn brought the design to life. The result was an impressive granite structure. It stood fifteen feet tall, topped by a bronze Australian Rising Sun Badge. Four drinking taps offered refreshment. The inscription read, “Erected in honor of those from Mordialloc and District, who served in the Great War, 1914 – 1919.” The Mordialloc Cenotaph War Memorial became a landmark, visible from the main street and the bridge across the creek. In a surprising twist, the Mordialloc Carnival Committee requested the memorial’s relocation in 1928. They wished to place a newly acquired merry-go-round on the site. They even offered to pay the outstanding debt on the memorial. The request was granted, and the Mordialloc Cenotaph was moved to its current location by the bridge. Although the taps are gone, the memorial still stands. It reminds us of the sacrifices made during the Great War. It reflects the community’s unwavering desire to honor those who served.