The much awaited memorial is now completed. On the 18 March 2025 the Memorial was finally fully completed.
On the 4th of November 2024 a “Sod Turning” ceremony was held at the approved site of the memorial in Saw Ave King’s Park. This ceremony heralded the commencement of site works that were scheduled for early December 2023. (Click here for more details of the event.)
Colgan Industries who are contracted by Smith Sculptors to carry out the site works began preparing and clearing the site on 11 December 2023. After the final clearing and excavation was completed, the steel reinforcing was laid in place, then shortly after the concrete was poured. After the foundations were given time to cure the centre column was poured in situ early in February 2024.
The following photographs provide a pictorial history of the memorial’s progress from the Sod Turning Ceremony to the Completion date.
Prepared Site Ready for Construction
Security Fencing and Project Identification
Construction Starts 11 December 2023 Excavation for Foundations and Aprons
Completed Reinforcing Ready for Concrete Pour
Concrete Foundation and Aprons Completed
Completed Concrete Segment of Centre Column Early February 2024
Commencement of Brickwork for Centre Column Plinth – February 2024
Laying of Decorative Floor Tiles for Aprons Begins – Late February 2024
Installation of Centre Column Granite Segments Late February 2024
Installation of Centre Column Granite Segments. Also Showing Completion of the Centre Column Plinth Covered in Polished Granite- Late February 2024
Centre Column with Granite Segments to the Top – Early March 2024
Centre Column with Granite Segments to the Top also Showing Reinforcing for the Information Podium – Early March 2024
Laying of Decorative Floor Tiles Nearing Completion 18 March 2024
Completed Tiling Around Centre Column
Partially Completed Podium Cased in Granite
Partially Completed Podium Cased in Granite
Podium Plaques in Place and Map of Crete
Relief of Greek Soldier Installed
Reticulation in Progress
Reticulation and garden surrounds under completion
Column with the Relief the Australian Soldier
Relief of Australian Soldier
Both Reliefs Installed with Gardening Completed
Memorial After the Dedication Ceremony 12 May 2024
Installation of HMAS Sailor – March 11 2025
Installation of Cretan Woman – March 11 2025
Podium Signage Underway
Completed Podium Signage and Installation of the Wreath
Installation of the Dedication Plaque
Completed Memorial – 18 March 2025
