The Clunes War Memorial is an impressive monument dedicated to those who have gone to war from Clunes and district.
An information sign at the war memorial displays the following text:
Clunes War Memorial
On Saturday, 19th November 1921, the monument was unveiled by Senator Elliott, the famous World War 1 soldier Brigadier 'Pompey' Elliott, at a solemn ceremony to commemorate those who had gone to the War from Clunes and District and to remember those who had enlisted from all parts of the Commonwealth.
The Lollypop Tree
Mt Beckworth's lollipop tree stands as a sentinal over the surrounding plains, a memorial to times past. The Mount's lollipop tree is on Victoria's Register of Significant Trees.
1918
A group of students from Glendaruel Primary School plant a stand of five Monterey pine trees on the summit of Mt Beckworth.
1920
In 1920 Messrs. Corben and Scott, of Clifton Hill submitted the successful tender to the Clunes Borough Council, for a cost of £450. The design was for an Australian soldier standing at ease, to be sculpted in marble. The soldier stands on a granite obelisk above a bluestone base.
The money to pay for the monument was raised by subscriptions from individuals, businesses and organisations in the town and district.
1945
All but one tree on Mt Beckworth were cleared for the establishment of an aerial survey beacon, leaving the present local landmark known as the 'lollipop' tree - trimmed of its lower branches.
During World War 2 the lollipop tree was used as a beacon for trainees from the R.A.A.F No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School (WAGS) based at the Ballarat Airport.
2007
Major restoration work
Work was carried out with a major grant from the Restoring Community War Memorials Grants Program 2006-2007, and with support from Hepburn Shire Council and contribution from RSL.
A plea to protect
During the unveiling ceremony the Mayor, Cr. Rowe, impressed upon all present
"The necessity of protecting and preserving the monument in every possible way, and not allow(ing) anyone to interfere with it".
Continuing Care
The Clunes R&SL Sub-Branch continues to look after the monument with help from the Hepburn Shire Council and Government Grants.
Remembering the fallen
The memorial is the focal point for services held each year to commemorate ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and other significant anniversaries.
The first Dawn Service to be held in Clunes took place on ANZAC Day 2015, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.
World War 1 names on the monument record only some of the fatalities from that war. A complete list is held on honour boards and in records at the Clunes R&SL club rooms and information can also be obtained from the Clunes Museum.
Fence dedication
Anzac Day, 1923 saw the dedication of the fence around the memorial by sir Alexander Peacock.
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