Eumundi Voice - Issue 109, 23 January 2025

COMMUNITY

Memorials to our legends and characters

Eumundi is an historical town that values its heritage, and an important part of our history is its memorial benches. We have 5 memorial benches on or adjacent to Memorial Dr. Family members or community groups have purchased these benches as a way of giving back to the community, providing seating in the name of a person who was loved and contributed to their community. It appears as if 2 of these benches may have been affected by SCC’s streetscaping project. The first bench – located outside the Imperial Hotel –was dedicated to Chris Walter who spent many hours at the hotel performing solo gigs and as a member of the band Hardly Bizarre. Chris passed away suddenly in 2009 and the family wanted him remembered with a bench close to where he spent many happy days.

The streetscaping works have meant that the bench may have to be relocated or replaced with seating in keeping with the streetscape design. Cr David Law has given his assurance that the wishes of the Walter’s family are paramount and nothing will be done without their approval. The same assurances have been provided with regards to the bench dedicated to Bob Loudon, which was funded primarily by Eumundi and District Community Assn. Cr Law has also stated that there will be no metal benches along Memorial Dr. As Eumundi is a historic timber town, the street furniture will reflect that history and will be crafted from timber as promised in the final planning submission.

The bench for Bob was celebrated by friends, family and well-wishers on 16 August 2019. The seat is close to the “Servo” where Bob served the community with a smile and a chat for many years. Bob supported many local community groups and instigated the notice board located beside the service station. His bench may escape intact as it is just outside of the scope of the new streetscaping works.

May we see many more benches and plaques as we acknowledge more of the wonderful legends and characters we have in Eumundi!