Rededication ceremony after 18-month refurbishment of century-old Katanning Fallen Soldiers Memorial monument

Descendants of Great Southern war heroes witnessed the unveiling and rededication of Katanning’s century-old soldier memorial last Saturday after an 18-month site refurbishment. Family of fallen soldiers, community and shire members were joined by the 11th/28th Battalion and the 10th Light Horse Memorial Troop for the Katanning Fallen Soldiers Memorial Rededication Ceremony at Prosser Park on October 25. Honourable guests included Governor Chris Dawson’s wife Darrilyn Dawson, member for O’Connor Rick Wilson and Roe MLA Peter Rundle, alongside the Katanning Historical Society which helped lead the restoration. First unveiled in 1920, a major refurbishment of the memorial site restored it to its original condition to befit the memory of those in the community who had served during wartime. The Turkish war trophy cannon — captured from Palestine in 1917 — underwent a full stripping and rust removal and the wheels were rebuilt, with additional works completed to halt further deterioration. A protective structure was built around the trophy, featuring storyboards depicting the cannon’s capture, Katanning’s two Victorian Cross recipients Lt Alfred Edward Gaby and Pte Percival Eric Gratwick and the town’s post-war financing efforts. Plaques for the VC recipients and a plinth recognising the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts were also given new life. Shire president Kristy D’Aprile said the restoration and refurbishment was completed to honour all who served and sacrificed. “This site has stood as a solemn place of remembrance and reflection, a place where out community can come together to acknowledge the courage, commitment and loss endured of those who have worn our nation’s uniform,” she said. “Through this restoration, we renew that commitment ensuring the legacy of service and sacrifice continues to be recognised and remembered for generations to come.” Wreaths were laid at the base of the monument by family, school students, emergency services, shire councillors, ministers, Mrs Dawson and battalion troops to officiate the rededication. Cr D’Aprile extended a heartfelt thankyou to all that were involved in the refurbishment, specifically the Katanning Historical Society and shire chief executive Peter Klein whose dedication she said helped “preserve a vital part of Katanning’s history and identity.”