Eternal Flame
The memorial, on the corner of Main South and Flaxmill Roads, Morphett Vale, provides a reminder of the sacrifice and service of Australia’s service people from the Boer War, in the late 1890s, to our nation’s more recent involvement in the Gulf Wars and peacekeeping forces around the world. The memorial was completed and dedicated in April 2005 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Australian servicemen’s landing at Gallipoli. The high-tech memorial includes a water feature and a high-tech lighting system to create a subtle ‘eternal flame’ effect.
Three six-metre high flagpoles at the memorial symbolise the contribution of Australia’s army, navy and air force during the past century. A fourth, larger flagpole, permanently flies the Australian flag.
The garden includes sand from the beach at Gallipoli, a lone pine planted propagated from stock at Gallipoli and rosemary plants. A local resident donated several laurel trees which have significance in the remembrance of past sacrifices. The Memorial Gardens will provide a focal point, where the community and visitors can gather to remember Australians who have served their nation defending democracy and personal freedom. This revitalised memorial provides for iconic gatherings such as ANZAC Day ceremonies or less formal observances.
The Wall of Respect at the Morphett Vale Memorial Bowling Club, Main South Road, (opposite the Memorial Gardens) complements the Memorial Gardens by featuring five mural panels affixed to the bowling club’s wall. Created and painted by 86 Creative, it has been in place for over 5 years and has been a highly successful public artwork project.
The panels honour women of Australia’s armed forces. The first mural, Sunset Memorial, carries the legend ‘Lest We Forget’ and depicts a sunset over a battlefield. Three panels portray images specific to the three forces—Air Force, Army and Navy—while the fifth mural recognises the women who served our nation, along with the peacekeeping and humanitarian aid aspects our forces provide to troubled nations around the world.
Lighting is accented on the murals for optimum night display. The Wall of Respect is supported by the Morphett Vale and Districts sub-branch of the Returned and Services League and the Morphett Vale Memorial Bowling Club and is jointly funded by the City of Onkaparinga and the Office of the Southern Suburbs.
The mural has recently been completely refurbished with a view to be in place for another 5 year period, which would make it one of the most recognized and long lasting murals in South Australia.
A path of remembrance intersects the central memorial and incorporates provision for people to purchase plaques commemorating a family member.
