Facelift for cenotaph

By Paul Dunlop
PAKENHAM’S war memorial is getting a facelift.
The cenotaph in John Street will be improved under a $1000 project approved last week by Cardinia Shire Council.
RSL president Norm Joseph has welcomed the funding. Mr Joseph said the cenotaph was in need of a “good spruce up”.
“The lettering on the memorial has to be attended to. A lot of work needs to be done cleaning it up,” Mr Joseph said.
“The gardens around the cenotaph are also getting some work.”
It is expected the works will be completed before veterans and residents pay tribute to Australia’s fallen at the 11 November commemoration of Armistice Day.
The move to refurbish the cenotaph was unanimously approved by councillors.
The mayor Bill Ronald, an honorary life member of Pakenham RSL, had asked for the $1000 to come from Central Ward funds.
On Anzac Day this year a record crowd estimated at almost 800 by organisers gathered for the traditional presunrise service.
Later in the day, the focus turned to rising football star Dale Thomas who made his debut at another shrine — the MCG — for the clash between Collingwood and Essendon.
Pakenham RSL officials were thrilled by the public support for the dawn service, saying it continued to grow in size and stature.