RSL Opens new park in valley town

The Marian sub branch of the Returned Services League officially opened their new ANZAC memorial park yesterday.

The land for the park on the Mackay/Eton Road was donated by the Paul family of Marian and was landscaped by the Mirani Shire Council.

The park, names Anzac Place, has a commemorative flag pole, rock garden and parade area and will be used for ANZAC Day celebrations.

The opening ceremony included an unveiling of the Roll of Honour by RSL sub branch members and a special plaque was presented to Mr. Frank Paul on behalf of the Paul family in recognition of their contribution.

Sub-branch president Mr. Tony Baldwin acknowledged the Paul family's generosity and their commitment to preserving the memory of those who gave their lives during World War II.

Mr. Baldwin said Mr. John Paul donated the land on which the Memorial Hall was situated (next to ANZAC Park) in memory of his brother Stan who was lost on the HMAS Sydney in 1941.

Mr Paul's son Frank had in recent times donated the land for ANZAC Place, Mr. Baldwin said.

The blessing was conducted by Fr. John Rasmussen and the Mirani Pipe Band played the Lament.

Special guests were Mayor of Mirani Shire, Cr. Clive Rogers, Sir Albert Abbott (National and State Life Member of the RSL), and the oldest members of the Marian sub branch of RSL, Mr. Emmet Peacock, Mr. Ernie Tam and Mr. Hector Grosskreutz.

A special presentation was then held inside the Memorial Hall where Mr. Peacock received a Life Membership for 50 years service to the RSL.

It was bestowed to him by Mr. Baldwin.

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