General News
25 April, 2026
Pomonal unveils new memorial in time for Anzac day
THE Pomonal community now has a permanent place to honour those who served, with the unveiling of a new Anzac Day memorial built by the local Men’s Shed.
For years, the township held dawn services without a dedicated monument, gathering instead around temporary setups.
That will all change now after members of the Pomonal Men’s Shed took on the challenge of creating a lasting tribute.
Pomonal Men’s Shed’s Russ Kellett said the idea grew from the community’s existing Anzac Day tradition.
“A few years ago, before the fires, a group of people, primarily Col Macaffer, Scotty Sparks and Adam Atchison, started holding a dawn service opposite the shop. It then moved down to the hall.”
What began as a small, community-led service has since grown significantly with close to 100 residents coming along each Anzac day.
“We thought it would be good if they actually had something permanent,” said Russ.
The result is a striking monument, six months in the making, designed as a central point for reflection and remembrance.
“They always had a fire to gather around,” Mr Kellett said. “It has a flame that goes in it, so on Anzac Day there will be a live flame inside and everything illuminates, it looks quite spectacular.”
The project has been a true community effort, with contributions from across the district. “Most of the Men’s Shed members have done something on this piece, so it’s been a real community build,” he said.
“Everything has been donated. We received grants for some materials, and the rest was gifted by two local businesses, which is fantastic.”
Mr Kellett also acknowledged the support of the Pomonal Hall Committee and Ararat Rural City Council in securing a suitable location.
“We’re very thankful for our relationship with council, it makes it easier to do these sorts of community projects,” he said.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Bob Sanders praised the effort, describing the memorial as a powerful reflection of community spirit.
“I think it’s absolutely magnificent,” he said.
“For such a small community to care so much and go to this amount of work, it’s just fantastic. Everybody’s had something to do with it.”
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