Support Given for Rising Sun in Memorial Precinct

This comes after Charles Sturt University second year engineering students were given the opportunity to perform an analysis on the structure. The students were tasked with creating a feasible structural design in the memorial precinct on Miller Street. The students also created a cost benefit analysis. Council acknowledged the work of the students and opted to write them a letter of appreciation.

In their own estimate’s council has budgeted $30,000 for the installation of the structure, with a further $1000 per annum for maintenance costs such as cleaning and electricity. The installation will be funded through the community hub activation element of the Stronger Country Communities Fund round three.

Local advocate for the installation of the Rising Sun, Don Kennaugh expressed his happiness at the news of council’s decision.

“That’s a pleasing result, I’m pretty thrilled about it to be quite honest,” said Mr Kennaugh.

“We call ourselves the Coo-ee town and I think it’ll be a tremendous structure for the town. I know the majority of the guys at the men’s shed are pretty keen about it and I think the town should be, one and all. It’s a very important part of our history.”

Gilgandra Shire Council’s director of corporate service Neil Alchin said the structure is a continuation of the communities recognition of their proud military history.

“The benefits to the community include further recognition of Gilgandra’s proud military heritage dating back to World War 1 and the Cooee March, along with an additional tourist attraction and a focal point on the edge of the Miller Street CBD encouraging more visitors into our town,” said Mr Alchin.

“There was initial community support for the purchase of the Rising Sun and ongoing support from the Mens Shed and local RSL to have the structure erected in the War Memorial precinct. The structure will be installed by February 2021.”