Words by Belinda Boyce
A new ANZAC memorial has been unveiled at a Redcliffe retirement village, giving residents a permanent place to honour veterans, remember loved ones and reflect.
Two years in the making, the memorial at BlueCare Azure Blue Redcliffe Retirement Village will be used for the first time on Remembrance Day, November 11.
Residents, staff and RSL representatives gathered for the unveiling, including former serviceman and village resident Joe O'Neill, who spoke about the friendships and shared experiences that make a community.
"The village is more than its buildings, gardens and pathways. It's made up of the people who call it home, by friendships formed, greetings exchanged, stories shared and small acts of kindness," Joe said.
"This memorial stone cannot tell every story or hold every memory, but it can give us a place to pause, a place to speak a name, to offer a prayer, or simply to sit quietly and remember."
The memorial was the vision of Village Manager Jane Malone, who was inspired by similar tributes at other retirement villages and worked with residents to bring the idea to life.
"Almost everyone knows someone who has served or whose life has been touched by war," Jane said.
"We wanted to create somewhere special to honour those connections, but also a beautiful, peaceful space where any resident can sit, reflect and enjoy a quiet moment."
Funded with support from BlueCare and the RSL, the memorial will become a permanent gathering place for the village's ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.
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