Community & Business
16 April, 2025
“Place of memory, reflection and respect:” James Lister MP
New monument to peacekeepers and peacemakers
When Southern Downs' local member, James Lister took the microphone on April 9, to mark the official unveiling of the Stanthorpe RSL's "Commemoration Project," his emotions were of pride and gratitude.
"I feel very proud as a veteran and grateful for the work the Stanthorpe RSL Sub-branch do," the local leader told our newspaper. "They do so much in the background - not just the upgrade - like the work around the graves of servicemen. I feel pride and gratitude."
In his official address, Mr Lister said the gathering was "not just to speak of the past, but to honour the present, and to build for the future".
"It is in that spirit that I am proud to acknowledge and praise the plans for the extensive upgrading of the Stanthorpe War Memorial surrounds - an initiative led with passion and purpose by the Stanthorpe RSL Sub-branch."
Mr Lister was keen to emphasise that "until now ... many contemporary veterans have not had formal recognition here at our memorial" and that was "changing" under the leadership of Sub-branch President Martin Corbett.
"As veterans of overseas service during those times, my wife Belinda, who is also here today, and I are grateful for this updated recognition," Mr Lister continued. "... service takes many forms ... (and) sacrifice is not limited to the battlefield.
"Now, it will return to the public eye, protected and displayed with dignity, as it was always intended ... (and) what makes the Stanthorpe Sub-branch’s initiative especially meaningful is the level of community support it has received ... (and) I am very pleased to acknowledge that the Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a $100,000 grant to help complete these upgrades - meaning there is no cost to our local community for the important work which will be undertaken.
"This multi-faceted project is a proclamation of our community’s commitment to honouring all who have served, across all generations. It’s about acknowledging that service continues in many forms - and that those who wear our nation’s uniform, or who serve alongside them in peacekeeping roles, deserve recognition just as much as those who faced conflict before them."
Lest we forget.
