02 May 2018 Euroa Gazette, Euroa VIC (General News) THE Rotary Club of Euroa, in conjunction with the Victorian Government, Strathbogie Shire Council, Telstra Corporation and local community groups and individuals, officially opened Telegraph Park on Sunday. The new park is located on what was previously vacant land next to the Telstra Exchange building on Brock Street, just off Euroas main street, and pays tribute to the 1165 volunteers from the district who served in World War I. The 1165 names are inscribed on five honour boards in the park area, surrounded by a gorgeous new landscape, garden area, seating and a new public toilet block. Telegraph Park was funded by an $80,000 grant from the State Governments Victoria Remembers Program, over $200,000 contribution from council, nominal long term lease agreement from Telstra Corporation and fundraising from the Rotary club and other generous community groups, businesses and individuals. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) attended the opening and unveiled the honour boards, with the help of students from the local primary and secondary schools. Shire mayor Amanda McClaren said the park is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the working group, Rotary club and other involved parties. The park is a beautiful space where people can acknowledge the bravery of those who have fought to protect this great country to allow our communities to live in the safety and peace that we are so blessed with today, mayor McClaren said. Telegraph Park is the wonderful result of a great collaborative effort from our local community groups, individuals and businesses, in partnership with local and state government. Jenny Houghton, owner of Maygars Hill Winery and instrumental member of the Telegraph Park Working Group, said she was blown away by the level of support from the community. It was so heart-warming to see so many members of our community were able to come out to commemorate our World War I volunteers, she said. Euroa Rotary Club felt the name Telegraph Park was appropriate because the telegraph was one of earliest forms of communication and the only way to keep in contact with fierce battlefields to the home front. Caption Text: PAYING RESPECTS: Visitors to the Telegraph Park gather at the conclusion of the official opening on Sunday to pay their respects to those soldiers from Euroa and District that fought in WWI. See story and more pictures on page 2. PHOTO: Anthony Chisholm A TIME TO REFLECT: The Rev. Patti Matthews of the Anglican Parish of Euroa conducts the official dedication service for the opening of Telegraph Park on Sunday. PROCEEDINGS COMMENCE: Telegraph PLAQUE UNVEILED: Jaclyn Symes, State Park opening MC Brian Bamford explains the Member for Northern Victoria, unveils background to the development. the plaque which officially opens Euroas Telegraph Park. MEMORIALS REVEALED: Ada Mckeachie from the Violet Town Campus of Peranbin College unveils one of the memorial boards with Tom McIntosh from Euroa Secondary College at the Telegraph Park opening on Sunday.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.