A NUMBER of Kerang’s community groups are urging Gannawarra Shire Council to retain a memorial seat dedicated to two fallen World War One soldiers as part of the Victoria Street upgrade.
The Kerang and District Returned and Services League, the Kerang Family History Group, the Rotary Club of Kerang and Kerang Probus have, or are in the process of, writing to council urging the shire to keep the seat dedicated to mates, George Vernon Carter and Bob Emmett.
It is proposed the seat and shelter, located outside the Kerang post office, will be removed as part the $750,000 redevelopment of Victoria Square from Patchell Plaza to the post office.
“The seat is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register alongside some of the most significant objects in the State,” RSL sub-branch president, Robert Hampton said.
“There was no consultation or warning that council would consider removing the seat and shelter.”
The seat honours the lives of Appin resident, Corporal George Vernon Carter – who was killed in action on December 24, 1917 – and Lake Meran farmer, Bob Emmett – who was killed in action on April 15, 1918.
The families of both men dedicated the seat and shade structure, located near the Kerang council chambers that were constructed to honour those who served in World War One, to the fallen mates.
The town’s Rotary Club rebuilt the shelter in 1997 after it fell into a state of disrepair, with club members overseeing the structure since then.
As the seat is heritage listed, it will need to be relocated to another site if it is removed, with sites recommended by the groups including the northern side of the post office and Atkinson Park.
