In the heart of Mackay’s Jubilee Park, where monuments to sacrifice already stand in solemn silence, a new voice is being called into the chorus of remembrance.
It is the voice of a generation whose service began after the dust of Vietnam had settled, but who stood no less bravely in East Timor, the Middle East, and countless unnamed operations across the globe.
These are the quiet soldiers of recent decades, who returned home to Mackay with no grand monument and no stone tribute to their sacrifice.
But soon, that will change.
A former Australian Army serviceman who served from 2001 to 2011, with deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan, is spearheading a plan to establish a memorial dedicated to veterans who served after the Vietnam War. Mackay RSL Vice President Mark Preston is leading this initiative to create what will be the region’s first ever comprehensive post-1975 ADF memorial – right here in Jubilee Park.
“We needed a memorial set up for younger veterans, so anyone that served in the Australian Defence Force from 1975 to the present day has a place to be acknowledged,” Mr Preston said.
The idea took root during the 2024 Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations, which marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the war and the beginning of a unified Australian Defence Force structure. While plaques for individual conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan exist, there is no inclusive site in Mackay that honours all who have served since 1975.
Mr Preston said conversations with fellow veterans had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone’s been really supportive in setting this up and getting behind it – which has been really great to see,” he said.
The planned design is a two-metre square and two-metre-high structure bearing the Australian Defence Force emblem, alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force logos. A remembrance plaque and educational content will also be included to help future generations understand the scope and significance of ADF operations post-1975.
The site in Jubilee Park has been chosen for its symmetry and symbolism, with plans to position the memorial directly opposite the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Long Tan Cross.
Mr Preston said, “It’s very important to have it here.”
“You don’t have to be here on any particular occasion… you can come in at any time and acknowledge the veterans that have served,” Mr Preston said.
The project also considers ceremonial needs, with civil works like a concrete footpath planned to support possible formal marches and gatherings.
“Having something for the family members of veterans to come and reflect is extremely important,” he added.
The monument itself is expected to cost around $80,000, with additional expenses for landscaping and civil works. Funding will be sought through a combination of government grants, community fundraising, and contributions from local businesses.
Mackay Regional Council has formally expressed its support, with Mayor Greg Williamson praising both the concept and its deeper meaning.
“It was a privilege to meet with Mackay RSL Vice President Mark Preston to view a scale model of a proposed new memorial,” Mayor Williamson said.
“The concept aims to recognise veterans who have served in defence operations since Vietnam.
“As a younger veteran, Mark shared powerful insights into the importance of acknowledging this service and the positive impact it can have on the wellbeing of those who’ve worn the uniform.
“This is a meaningful proposal, and one we’ll be hearing more about as Council continues discussions with the RSL.”
The memorial will stand as a lasting tribute and a space for reflection, honouring every service and every story worthy of remembrance.
Lest We Forget
Mackay RSL Vice President Mark Preston. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
A new memorial in Mackay’s Jubilee Park will honour veterans who served after the Vietnam War, recognising the quiet soldiers of our time and uniting past and present in remembrance. Photo supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
