Armistice Centenary War Memorial
Keeping the Spirit Alive through the Power of Community
The Armistice Centenary War Memorial (ACWM) stands as a solemn tribute to honour the contributions, heritage, and memory of individuals associated with Australia’s shooting disciplines. Situated prominently at the main entrance of the Belmont Shooting Complex on Old Cleveland Road, the pillars and balustrade comprising the Memorial Gate serve as integral components of the ACWM.
Nestled within a serene bushland setting, the ACWM offers a tranquil sanctuary for both public commemoration and private reflection. Its significance as a sacred place of remembrance resonates deeply within the local and surrounding communities, fostering a profound connection to Australia’s rich shooting heritage and the sacrifices made in times of war.
As visitors pass through the Memorial Gate, they are enveloped by an atmosphere of reverence and gratitude, surrounded by the natural beauty of the bushland. Here, amidst the rustling leaves and gentle whispers of the wind, individuals have the opportunity to pay their respects, contemplate the valour of those who served, and honor the enduring legacy of Australia’s shooting disciplines.
TO COMMEMORATE
the more than 500 riflemen of the Queensland Rifle Association who made the supreme sacrifice in the First World War
TO ACKNOWLEDGE
the contribution of Austalia’s men and women from the many shooting disciplines to Australia’s defence in peace and war
TO SERVE
as a War Memorial for the local community: serving as a place of healing, reflection, and hope for the future.
The ACWM Precinct
The ACWM precinct project plays an important role in building strong and supportive relationships with our local community.
It will provide all with a place to honour the fallen, while standing as a symbol of reslience, unity and the pursuit of peace.
The Vision
MEMORIAL WALL – Serve as a poignant and respectful way to commemorate their contributions and connections to the sport and community.
FLAGPOLES – Acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and international connections within the shooting community, promoting inclusivity and global camaraderie.
ENHANCING the infrastructure and accessibility of the site.
THE WALKWAY – symbolically connect past and present, paying homage to the legacy of those who served and fostering a deeper appreciation of history and tradition within the community.
Paying tribute to the many
Originally intended to honour the more than 500 Riflemen of the QRA who lost their lives during World War I, the memorial also pays tribute to the men and women of all shooting disciplines who have served in defence of the nation in all of Australia’s wars and campaigns since the Boer War, including peace-keeping operations post 1946.
Community Comes Together
The ACWM project plays an important role in building a strong and supportive relationship with the local community. It provides an invaluable link between the QRA, its members, and the wider community.
“Keeping the Spirit Alive”
Originally intended to honour the more than 500 Riflemen of the QRA who lost their lives during World War I, the memorial also pays tribute to the men and women of all shooting disciplines who have served in defence of the nation in all of Australia’s wars and campaigns since the Boer War, including peace-keeping operations post 1946.
We Honour Them
The Armistice Centenary War Memorial (ACWM) is located at the main, Memorial Gate, entrance to the Belmont Shooting Complex on Old Cleveland Road, and the pillars and balustrade forming the Memorial Gate are part of the ACWM.
The ACWM is situated in a unique bushland setting and provides a peaceful place for public commemoration and private reflection.
THE STORY BEHIND THE NAMES
We Will Remember Them
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Originally intended to honour the more than 500 Riflemen of the QRA who lost their lives during World War I, the memorial also pays tribute to the men and women of all shooting disciplines who have served in defence of the nation in all of Australia’s wars and campaigns since the Boer War, including peace-keeping operations post 1946.
We honour them
The Armistice Centenary War Memorial (ACWM) is located at the main, Memorial Gate, entrance to the Belmont Shooting Complex on Old Cleveland Road, and the pillars and balustrade forming the Memorial Gate are part of the ACWM.
The ACWM is situated in a unique bushland setting and provides a peaceful place for public commemoration and private reflection.
Commemorative Services
The ACWM project plays an important role in building a strong and supportive relationship with the local community. It provides an invaluable link between the QRA, its members, and the wider community.
The rich history of the QRA’s wartime role, and the service of men and women from all shooting disciplines in Australia’s Defence Force, is a unique heritage of which all Australians can be proud. The Armistice Centenary War Memorial project has presented an incredible opportunity to share this heritage with all users of the Complex and with the wider community.
Each year the Commemorations Committee extends a warm welcome to all site users, local residents and schools, to attend the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorative services. Many of these people find a special connection is made at the ACWM. The Committee is also working to engage our local Indigenous Community groups representing the Jagera and Turrbal people.
Perpetuating their Memory
In recent years a small group of current members of the QRA saw the need to perpetuate their memory, and thus the idea of the war memorial was conceived.
In 2017, Mr John Johnstone OAM, a former President of the QRA, suggested that a new War Memorial should be constructed at the Belmont Shooting Complex, by November 2018 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending The Great War of 1914-1918. Hence the name Armistice Centenary War Memorial. As the project progressed additional members with relevant expertise joined the Commemorations Committee.
Whilst the committee is tasked by the QRA Board with managing the development of commemorative sites within the Complex, it acts on behalf of all shooting clubs and associations operating within the Belmont Shooting Complex, and moreover, the broader Australian community. The committee has necessarily expanded to include community members and others with a wide range of expertise.
Schools and Community Come Together
Each year the Commemorations Committee extends a warm welcome to all site users, local residents and schools, to attend the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorative services. Many of these people find a special connection is made at the ACWM.
The Committee is also working to engage our local Indigenous Community groups representing the Jagera and Turrbal people.
Initial War Memorial Funding And Construction
Mr Ross Vasta MP, Federal member for Bonner, advised the Project Team, in early 2017, that grants for memorials were being made under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
The Project Team, chaired by Mr Johnstone, developed a site plan for the proposed War Memorial and submitted a funding bid for the construction of a Memorial Gate at the primary entrance to the Belmont Shooting Complex, off Old Cleveland Road, and an adjacent circular Memorial structure.
A Grant of $10,000 was received from DVA and this was matched by a contribution of $10,000 from the QRA, and additional donations were received from BSUA, the QRA Museum and private donations, to achieve the $38,000 required for construction of Stage One of the War Memorial.
The QRA approved the construction to proceed at the main entrance to the Belmont Shooting Complex and the Memorial was officially renamed as the Armistice Centenary War Memorial (ACWM).
The QRA Museum
The Oldest Sporting Association in Queensland – 1485 Old Cleveland Road, Belmont
The museum covers over 150 years of experiences on and off the range. With a balance of army and sport and the role of our community and how they have shaped the sport of target shooting into the 21st century.
The museum is normally open on ANZAC and Remembrance Day events and during the King’s Prize events in August and October.
The honour boards disappear
With the demolition of the QRA’s indoor shooting range at Spring Hill in the 1970s, a valuable part of the history of the QRA may have been lost forever. Unfortunately, during the building demolition, the wall mounted Honour Boards bearing the names of over 560 Riflemen, who were QRA members, and who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War, disappeared.
These honour boards were a significant record of the many young men who came from cities, towns and country communities from all over Queensland to enlist. They did not hesitate to answer the call to serve their country when they were needed most and many had great skills in marksmanship, horsemanship and bush craft.
Armistice Centenary War Memorial
1485 Old Cleveland Road, Belmont
ACWM – Managed by the sub committee of the Queensland Rifle Association Inc. Ph: 3398 4309
In Commemoration of the Brave
The memorial comprises the Armistice Centenary Memorial Gate at the primary entrance to the Belmont Shooting Complex on Old Cleveland Road, as well as a circular memorial forming part of a contemplative garden.
