Cenotaph takes pride of place

By Melissa Meehan
AMONG the cranes, cement trucks and constant construction in Pakenham’s CBD lies the town’s cenotaph – returned after a brief hiatus for refurbishing.
The cenotaph looks great in all its glory, placed in a more prominent position than it was previously – right on the corner of John and Henry Street.
Things are really starting to take shape at the new hall – with the cenotaph taking centre stage.
RSL President Don Buntine said it was wonderful to see the cenotaph back in town and said it was looking better than ever thanks to a facelift.
Mayor George Blenkhorn said the return of the cenotaph to the centre of town was great news for Pakenham.
“The larger area surrounding the cenotaph will make room for large crowds on Anzac Day – it’s going to be a wonderful area,” Cr Blenkhorn said.
“It will be great to see the Anzac Day service moved back to where it belongs.”
Councillor Collin Ross agreed.
“This is one of the most important parts of the development,” he said.
“It’s great for the public to see that the cenotaph is back and the hall is taking shape.”
Councillor Graeme Moore said it was great to have it back, in a proper place in the middle of town.
Work on the hall is expected to be completed by early July with a celebration to be held to mark the opening later in the year.