SCHOOLS, residents and Rotarians have officially unveiled the Rotary Club of Casterton’s ‘Peace Pole’ project, in a ceremony at Rotary Park, on the Glenelg River.

The Peace Pole Program, which had its beginnings after World War II in 1955, was developed by the World Peace Prayer Society founder, Masahisa Goi and now, more than 250,000 Peace Poles stand in around 200 countries around the world.

The message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’, is inscribed on the four sides of the pole – each side in a different language and at the official unveiling, the cultural and ethnic diversity of Casterton was celebrated, with residents invited to announce the message in the languages of their own countries, including Hindi, Gaelic, Chinese and two Filipino dialects.

Students from Casterton Primary, Sacred Heart and Casterton Secondary Schools also took part in the celebrations, sharing messages of peace.

“These words were written by the Chinese philosopher, Laozi, over 2500 years ago,” Sacred Heart’s April Henty-Anderson said.

“Laozi teaches that we should live a simple life that is filled with goodness and integrity.

“Even though he wrote this message thousands of years ago, it is one that is very important and still valid for all of us today.

:These words were also used by the Rotary International President, Herb Brown, in 1995/1996, as part of his theme of peace for his presidential year.”

The Casterton Peace Pole was originally intended for unveiling in September, last year.

In 2021, the Peace Poles had special meaning, with 100 poles distributed around Australia, sponsored by 100 Rotary Clubs and marking 100 years of Rotary.

While the centenary was missed, the local event did fall on the day prior to the birthday of Rotary International.