The Surrey Hills War Memorial, a solemn monument to the sacrifice of those who served in the First World War, stands proudly in Surrey Gardens. It is one of the earliest war memorials in Victoria, erected in 1917 to honour the men of Surrey Hills and Mont Albert. The memorial consists of a beautiful carved timber panel featuring native flora, a memorial plaque, and a granite pillar. The panel, crafted by local resident J.K. Blogg, serves as a roll of honour, listing the names of those who served. The memorial was restored in 2018, with additional names researched by local resident Sandra Dexter. The memorial stands as a poignant symbol of the human toll of war and the enduring memory of those who sacrificed their lives for their country. It’s a place of quiet reflection, where visitors can pay their respects and learn about the history of the area. In fact, two cannons stand on either side of the memorial, dating from 1843. They were moved from the Canterbury Sports Ground in 1919 and are known as “Brooks’ Babies,” a playful name given to them by Arthur “Empire” Brooks, a prominent figure who bought them to commemorate the end of the Boer War. This unique detail adds an extra layer of intrigue to the memorial, reminding us that Surrey Gardens and its monuments have witnessed countless moments in history.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs