A new war memorial to honour those who served in the Korean War will be built in Melbourne’s west.
Minister for Veterans John Eren joined Member for Footscray Marsha Thomson, Member for Western Metropolitan Cesar Melhem, and Korean Consul-General Mr Jo Hongju today to make the announcement.
Located in Maribyrnong’s Quarry Park, it will be the first significant public memorial in Victoria to specifically honour the Australians who served in the Korean War, and the Koreans who fought alongside them.
More than 17,000 Australians served in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953 – where 339 Australians tragically lost their lives and another 1,200 wounded.
Both the Korean Consul-General and the Korean Veterans Association of Australia (Victoria) have strongly advocated for the creation of this memorial for some time.
A Korean War Memorial Committee has raised over $150,000 towards the new memorial and a further $300,000 was announced last year by the Republic of Korea.
The Andrews Labor Government has provided $100,000 towards the project, which will bring people together and provide visitors with a space to reflect, and commemorate Korean veterans.
The Swinburne University of Technology will design the memorial, with initial designs expected in mid-2017.
Quote attributable to Minister for Veterans John Eren
“We know how important this is to our Korean War veterans and the wider Korean community – and we want to ensure that future generations can visit this memorial and pay their respects.”
Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Marsha Thomson
“We’re proud to be home to Victoria’s first Korean War Memorial right here in the west. A place that brings people together and commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Metropolitan Cesar Melhem
“We’re delighted to work with the City of Maribyrnong and the Korean War Memorial Committee to see this new memorial come to life.”
Quote attributable to Republic of Korea Consul-General Mr Jo Hongju
“The Memorial will honour the Korean War veterans and also represent the close friendship between Korea and Victoria. It is a meaningful and honourable project.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020