Standing proudly at the Toongabbie Village Green is the new cenotaph commemorating those who served and made the supreme sacrifice in WW1 and WW2. The cenotaph also honours those who undertook peacekeeping services in Boer War, China, Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Vietnam War, Indonesia, Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The cenotaph complements the Honour Boards within the Toongabbie Mechanics Institute Hall that list all those who served.

Cenotaph inscriptions

Names of those who did not return from war that are listed on the cenotaph are:

World War 1

1914-1919

Andrews E.E

Bell S.

Enright P.

Gadd B.

Guyatt H.

Hilsley C.E

Hilsley J.

Hilsley C

McKay A.

Nippe G.

Nicolson A.

Semple J.

Semmens H.

Tueski H.

Thompson P.

Williamson A.

World War 2

1939 – 1945

Dyke E.G.

Ries W.E.

There is also a plaque dedicated to men and women who served in peacekeeping services in Boer War, China, Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Vietnam War, Indonesia, Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The names of all those who have served are listed on the Honour Boards in the Toongabbie Mechanics Institute.

Cenotaph Details

The cenotaph is 4 meters tall and made from granite with an unpolished top section.  Gold lettering is highlighted against the dark granite. There are “steps” at the base to allow wreaths to be laid in layers.

Logos for the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy are presented around the base of the cenotaph.

We are very grateful that a local Toongabbie resident was able to design the cenotaph and ensure the size suited the location and number of names needed on the cenotaph.

Organisation of the construction, engraving and installation was via Keenan Memorials.

The cenotaph was installed 24 June 2024 at the Village Green (Corner of King St and Cowen St) on the east side of the Toongabbie Mechanics Institute.

Official Opening

An Official Dedication Service and Opening of the new Toongabbie Cenotaph was held on 7th July 2024 (order of service is below or can be downloaded as a PDF here). Attendees were welcome to lay a wreath at the new cenotaph.

Doug Caulfield from the RSL Traralgon sub-branch led the service after a special presentation to John Cooney from Cowwarr who is a RAAF veteran of the Malaya Emergency. John was awarded the Australian Defence Medal and the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp – Malaya.

The cenotaph dedication included opening comments by Scott Mitchell followed by introductions from Federal Member for Gippsland the Hon. Darren Chester and Squadron Leader Alexander Christenson from Central Flying School, RAAF Base East Sale.  Chaplain Robert Hayman led the group in a dedication prayer before wreaths were laid to the stirring sounds of the bagpipes.  The sounds of the bugler playing the Last Post enveloped the crowds and emotions stirred remembering those that have been touched by conflict.

After placing poppies at the cenotaph, the community were invited to stay for morning tea and view the Honour Boards in the Mechanics Institute Hall.

The Toongabbie Township Group are very grateful to everyone that supported the ceremony including:

• Traralgon RSL
• RAAF Base East Sale (catafalque party, chaplain, Air Candidate Management Centre, Officer Training School at the Base, Central Flying School ESL)
• Veterans hub in Cowwarr
• Victorian Veterans Council (DFFH)
• Australian Air Force Cadets (Traralgon)
• Royal Victorian Regiment – Bagpiper
• Sale City Band  – Bugler
• The 13th Gippsland Light horse Regiment

Support received

The Toongabbie Township Group are incredibly grateful to the many people and organisations that supported this project:

• $30,000 grant from the Victoria Remembers Grant Program.
• Wellington Latrobe Lions Club for providing a wonderful breakfast and providing generous support in setting up and cleaning up the hall.
• Toongabbie Recreation Reserves Committee for being an auspice for the grant and assisting with obtaining the landowner permissions through DEECA.
• Toongabbie Mechanics Institute committee for allowing the use of the hall and providing generous support in setting up and cleaning up the hall.
• Latrobe City Council Seven Small Towns Grant program – Flagpole ($1,424)
• The Hon Darren Chester MP, Federal Member for Gippsland for providing the Australian flag
• Toongabbie CFA Junior Brigade members who assisted on the morning of the cenotaph opening.
• $30 Coles Traralgon contribution to morning tea after the Dedication Service.

A special “Thank You” to all the amazing volunteers that organized the morning tea and assisted on the day of the ceremony.  The cenotaph opening was a huge success because of the time and dedication of these volunteers and the Toongabbie Township Group are very grateful for their contributions (you know who you are!!).

Ongoing works

The Toongabbie Township Group will continue to seek grants to beautify the area around the cenotaph and improve the accessibility, particularly for the Anzac Day dawn services.

Additional links

• Order of Service for the Official Opening of the cenotaph
• Toongabbie Honour Boards photos
• Photo Gallery of Cenotaph Opening
• Darren Chester – Federal Member for Gippsland website article for the cenotaph opening.
• Promotional material for the official opening
• Initial installation post.