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Penshurst War Memorial

Location Bell street and Martin Street PENSHURST, Southern Grampians Shire File Number Original Hermes No: 23328 Level -

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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Penshurst War Memorial is located in the centre of Penshurst, at the intersection of Bell and Martin Streets. It is set within a simply planted circular traffic island which has been planted with low hedges of Rosemary. The monument takes the traditional form of an obelisk and is composed of a tall shaft, three large blocks of increasing size and two base blocks. These are all a grey granite and have a rockface texture. The monument is surround by concrete and low granite blocks supporting metal tube fencing. Bronze plaques are fixed to the plinth blocks with the names of those from the Shire of Mount Rouse who served in the First World War and the Second World War. The Anzac insignia is fixed to the base of the shaft. The Monument was erected by R. B Ritchie of Blackwood in 1919 and commemorates those who fell in World War One and World War Two.

How is it significant?
The Penshurst War Memorial is of historic, social and aesthetic significance to the township of Penshurst and the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Penshurst War Memorial is of historic significance because it commemorates at a local level some of the most important events in the national history of Australia and especially the roles of those from the community who served and died.
It is of social significance as the focus of acts of commemoration such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and as a place of homage for the community.
It is of aesthetic significance for its use of traditional form, style and iconography to express deep meaning. This significance is enhanced by its setting and location.



How is it significant?
The Penshurst War Memorial is of historic, social and aesthetic significance to the Southern Grampians Shire and the township of Penshurst.

Why is it significant?
The War Memorial is of historic significance for marking the contribution of the township and its immediate area in the First and Second World Wars and in other wars fought by Australia, especially the contribution of those who died. It is of social significance as the focus for the commemorative ceremonies associated with those wars. It is of aesthetic significance for its use of deep symbolism through the usual obelisk motif, associated with death since ancient times.