John Leak monument facts for kids
The John Leak Monument is a special memorial found in Victoria Park, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. It was officially shown to the public on April 20, 2012. This monument celebrates the amazing bravery of John Leak, who was the first person from Queensland to receive the Victoria Cross.
Who Was John Leak?
John Leak was born in 1892 in Portsmouth, England. He moved to Australia and joined the army, the 9th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, on January 28, 1915, in Rockhampton. On April 16, 1915, he sailed from Brisbane to serve in Gallipoli during World War I.
John Leak received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery, because of his amazing courage. This happened on July 23, 1916, during a big battle called the Battle of Pozières in France.
About the Monument
This monument was built to honor Private John Leak. He was the very first person from Queensland to earn the Victoria Cross. This award is the highest honor for bravery given to soldiers in British and Commonwealth forces.
The memorial is very special because it's a mosaic sculpture. A mosaic is a picture or pattern made from small pieces of colored glass or stone. This one was created by Rockhampton artist Liz Hills, with help from Adrienne Wall and Melinda Clayton.
The monument includes local symbols that connect to the Archer Ranges, which represent the City of Rockhampton. It also has images linked to the ANZAC campaign, like the red poppy. The red poppy became a worldwide symbol to remember soldiers who died in war.
The monument was officially opened on April 20, 2012. Important people attended the event, including Mr. Ted Malone, who was a Member of Parliament for Mirani, Mayor Brad Carter, and Mr. Peter Townsend, who is John Leak's grandson.
How the Project Was Funded
The money to design and build the John Leak monument came from the Queensland State Government. The Rockhampton Regional Council was in charge of managing the project.
