CONVENOR of the Memorial Committee, Rex Beveridge, confirmed that with the securement of an approved site for the Fraser bust, and the selection of an accomplished sculptor, the Committee can now invite public contributions to the Appeal.

The Committee said it looks forward to being able to commission their selected sculptor, Linda Klarfeld, to proceed with the Fraser bust, and to have it installed adjacent to the Fitzpatrick Gardens on Lonsdale Street, Hamilton. Linda’s widely known and respected works include the recent full-size statue of former Australian Cricket Captain, Allan Border, which stands outside The Gabba in Brisbane.

In urging support for the Appeal, Rex pointed out that Malcolm had won the seat of Wannon in 1955 (at the tender age of 25) and had served as our local member for 28 years … making him a stand-out politician of his time.

“Malcolm was widely respected for his diligence and accessibility as our local member, but he won even greater recognition for the region through his roles as a Cabinet Minister (he held senior portfolios under three Prime Ministers), and ultimately, through his service as Australia’s Prime Minister,” he said.

“The position he held with distinction for a period of eight years from 1975 … becoming the fourth longest serving Prime Minister in our history!”

“And, even after leaving politics, Malcolm pursued a very wide range of personal interests, and gained enormous international recognition for his humanitarian efforts to improve the lot of the worlds under-privileged.”

“He was a very big man … in every sense of the word”.

Rex made the point that given Malcolm’s outstanding record of community service, it was entirely appropriate that he be acknowledged as a “local achiever” alongside Sam Fitzpatrick (MC. CBE.) and Ted Kenna VC.

Rex thanked the Councillors of Southern Grampians for the steadfast support throughout the campaign and added (with a sly grin) that acknowledging local achievers might well become a permanent agenda item for Council!

Rex cited an appeal target of $45,000, and that the Committee had already secured commitments that put it well on the way to that target, but added that the balance would be sought within a relatively short time frame to meet existing cost estimates. This has introduced a degree of urgency to the Committee’s appeal for community support.

Anyone wanting to be involved in the campaign is urged to ring Rex on 0427 740 225 or contact Committee members Kevin Safe and Roger Hallam.

On a sadder note, Rex cited the passing of Peter Schroder. Peter had been a foundation member of the Committee, and sadly would not see his unwavering vision come to pass.