The Battle of Crete Memorial Committee seeks to commemorate the courage, sacrifice and commitment of those who served and endured the Battle of Crete through the creation of a specific memorial in Kings Park.

As many readers would be aware, we successfully obtained project support from the National Trust of WA, who are overseeing our fundraising through their “Battle of Crete Memorial Appeal” and have His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and Mr Richard Sandover as our patrons. In May 2021, we held a highly successful design launch event. Prominent WA artists SmithSculptors developed the design. The proposed memorial design is based on a ‘broken column’ made of polished marble, a symbol from the Greek tradition that signifies a young life cut short, often in battle. At the base of the column is to be backed by polished granite and will feature four bronze figures in relief. Three of the figures are military, one civilian. (For details see our website.)

In the meantime, our positive relationship with the Kings Park Board continues. A virtual model/image of our memorial, utilising a ‘cutting edge’ app (Markr), is to be part of a tourist trail through the Park being established in the near future.

Further to a successful musical bingo fund raiser held in September last year, efforts have gone into seeking financial support from the government. We are pleased to inform readers that our application for the State Government’s “Anzac Day Trust Grant” has been successful. The WA govt will be contributing $150,000 over two years to the $500,000 project. We are also in the process of seeking a grant from the Federal government. Additionally, a number of individuals and organisations have made donations to the project, including Nick Andriotakis from the  “Joint Committee  for  the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete  & The  Greek  Campaign” based in Sydney, and the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand. However, for our project to come to fruition, more donations are required. These are tax deductible. Your support is vital to ensure this historical legacy for generations to come. Please do not hesitate to contribute to this noteworthy cause.

Please email or visit our website for further information: admin@battleofcrete.org.au https://battleofcrete.org.au