BALLARAT ARCH OF VICTORY RESTORATION COMPLETE

Sunday, 6 November 2011

Following six months of restoration work the Ballarat Arch of Victory has been restored to its original splendour the Member for Ballarat Catherine King said today.

Ms King said that the Arch of Victory is an enduring monument to the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women.

“The Gillard Government is committed to protecting our important heritage places in the community. 

“That is why the Australian Government has funded a total of $510,000 to the restoration of Ballarat’s Arch of Victory comprising $175,000 under the National Historic Sites Program and $335,000 under the Regional Local Community Infrastructure Program.

Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King joined Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Craig Fletcher, Mayor of the City of Ballarat for the official reopening of the Arch of Victory in Ballarat.

“Protecting and investing in heritage places enables us to understand and appreciate our past. 

“The Arch of Victory reminds us of the grief that communities across Australia felt as they grappled with the aftermath of the First World War.”

Restoration included a full pressure clean of the structure, repairs to all renders, cornices and mouldings, installation of new lighting, application of a ‘breathable’ mineral paint coating, replacement of the roof structure, restoration of commemorative plaques and restoration of the adjacent infrastructure.

“For over 90 years the Arch of Victory has been an important part of the Ballarat cityscape and has served as a beacon to the community to remember our war dead,” Ms King said. 

“Built in the Federation free classical style and with an 18 metre high central arch the Arch of Victory is recognised as Victoria’s largest and most significant memorial arch.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with the project,” Ms King said.