Mount Macedon Memorial Cross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Macedon Memorial Cross |
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Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, 2016
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| Location | 405 Cameron Drive, Mount Macedon, Macedon Ranges Shire, Victoria, Australia |
| Built | 1935 |
| Built for | William Cameron |
| Official name: Macedon Cross | |
| Type | heritage place |
| Designated | 1 September 1994 |
| Reference no. | H1027 |
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The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is a very important monument in Mount Macedon, Australia. It stands tall to remember the brave soldiers who fought in World War I. You might also hear it called the Cameron Memorial Cross. This special place was added to the Victorian Heritage Register on September 1, 1994, which means it's officially recognized as a significant historical site.
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A Special Cross with a Story
The idea for the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross came from a local land owner named William Cameron. He wanted to honor the soldiers who died in World War I. But he also had another important reason: he wanted to create jobs during the Great Depression. This was a time when many people didn't have work.
The cross was officially opened on March 16, 1935. The person who did this was Stanley Argyle, who was the Premier of Victoria at the time (like the leader of the state government). Even though the weather was bad with wind and rain, over 400 people came to the ceremony! William Cameron paid most of the cost, which was a lot of money back then.
Over the years, the cross survived lightning strikes and even big bushfires. However, its inside steel frame started to get weak. So, in 1995, the original cross was replaced. The new one looks exactly the same, but it's made from strong reinforced concrete. This new material is expected to last a very long time.
What Does the Cross Look Like?
The cross is located in a special area near the very top of Mount Macedon. You can reach it by driving about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) on an access road.
This huge cross is 70 feet (about 21 meters) tall! It stands on a base that is 14 feet (about 4 meters) high, and the whole circular bottom part is 38 feet (about 11.5 meters) across. It's built with light yellow tiles called Wunderlich terracotta tiles over a steel frame. Because of its size and color, you can see it from far away, even from the flat lands below the mountain.
There's a special message written on a tablet at the monument. It says: "To the glory of God and in memory of Australia's sons, 1914-1918. Death cannot rob them of their glory nor time efface the memory of their gallant deeds."
Why is This Cross Important?
The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is important for many reasons. It has a special meaning for people's feelings, what it stands for, its culture, and how people connect with it.
- Remembering Heroes: It's a very important memorial for all the people who lost their lives in the First World War.
- Symbol of Hope: After the terrible 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires, the cross became a symbol of courage and survival for many people. It showed that even after a disaster, things can still stand strong.
- Anzac Day Service: Every year on Anzac Day, a special ceremony is held at the base of the cross at dawn to remember the soldiers.
- Unique Design: The cross is special because of its huge size, simple design, and where it's placed on Mount Macedon. It's a rare example of a memorial for World War I.
- Historical Connection: It shows a strong link to an important time in Victoria's history: the First World War.
- Special Materials: The shiny Wunderlich tiles used to build it make the cross look simple and powerful. They also help it be seen from very far away.
Many people consider this cross to be Victoria's most important war memorial, second only to the famous Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
Images for kids
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The cross after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires
