A spectacular monument honouring the service of veterans from Willunga and surrounding districts has been unveiled, fulfilling the ambition of the Willunga and Districts RSL for an appropriate tribute to local servicemen and women.

The 2.7-metre-high structure, featuring locally sourced slate, contains the names of 160 people from the town and district and is dedicated to ‘all personnel from the Willunga and districts region who served in WWII and those who continue to serve the nation in military uniform in all past and future wars, conflicts, and peace-keeping operations.’

Willunga and Districts RSL President, Shane Reiche, said the previous monument – a handmade, painted white cross – had served its purpose but not the RSL’s ambition.

“Members felt the temporary memorial wasn’t a fitting tribute to honour World War II veterans,” said Mr Reiche, who served 21 years full time in the Australian Army and another eight as a reservist.

“When we saw the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II Grant Fund, we decided to apply for funding for a permanent monument that did justice to their service of the nation.”

The 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II Grant Program was established in 2024 to support commemorations ahead of this year’s Victory in the Pacific Day on 15 August, marking the end of WWII for Australians.

For the Willunga and Districts RSL, the successful grant application included funds to install a digital memorial screen inside the RSL clubroom, rolling through the names of all local servicemen and women who had served in all conflicts.

“Across the district, a lot of streets are named after veterans,” Mr Reiche said.

“We have members in their 70s, 80s, and some in their 90s whose surnames match those on the memorial – now we have a digital photo screen rolling through the names of all local veterans while people have a drink.”

“I think it’s important for people to know their history.”

The Willunga and Districts RSL WWII monument was supported by $20,000 in grant funding from the 80^th Anniversary of the end of World War II Grant Fund, managed by Veterans SA on behalf of the Government of South Australia.