Memorial cross restored for centenary anzac day celebrations

Mt Macedon’s iconic Memorial Cross has been cleaned for the first time in 20 years in preparation for this year’s Centenary Anzac Day Dawn Service.

The Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited Mt Macedon to inspect progress on the historic monument, which commemorates those who served in world wars and conflicts.

"It is so wonderful to see this important monument being restored to its former glory," Ms Thomas said.

"Set against the backdrop of our glorious Macedon Ranges, the result is quite spectacular".

Ms Thomas also praised the "hard work of the Memorial Cross Committee of Management which made the restoration possible through public fundraising".

The 21m high Cross, which was first built in 1935 and rebuilt in 1995 after it was hit by lightning, required a specialist contractor experienced in heritage restoration work to undertake the cleaning.

The growth in popularity of the service at Mt Macedon in recent years has seen it become one of the largest Dawn Services in regional Victoria.

Turnout for this year’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service is expected to be larger than ever with the celebration of the ANZAC Centenary.

To deal with the anticipated numbers of people visiting Mt Macedon for this year’s service, the Andrews Government has increased this year’s grant to the assist with the conduct of the service. This year’s service will again see free bus services operate from each major township across the Macedon Ranges.

Anyone wishing to attend the event is encouraged to catch one of the free bus services as Mount Macedon Road will be closed to traffic from the corner of Mount Macedon Roadand Honour Avenue and Mount Macedon Road and Straws Lane from 3:00AM on ANZAC Day. All private cars will be directed to Tony Clarke Recreation Reserve.

Buses will operate from Gisborne, Woodend, Romsey, Lancefield and Riddells Creek. Bookings are essential and need to be made online via the Organs Coaches website at www.organscoaches.com.au or by phone on 5422 1788 during business hours.

"I’d like to congratulate the hardworking volunteers of the Mt Macedon Dawn Service Committee for growing this event over the years and making it the success it is today," Ms Thomas said.