General News
14 November, 2025
Majorca veterans honoured
Locals of Majorca and Carisbrook gathered last Tuesday morning to honour the region’s servicemen and women, and unveiled the memorial’s new signage detailing the community’s history.
While plans for the particularly special Remembrance Day service were impacted by freezing winds and persistent downpour, nearly 40 people gathered in Majorca’s Town Hall for the day’s ceremony.
Following the minutes silence were speeches from Central Goldfields Shire councillor Anna de Villiers, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, who also spoke on behalf of Natalie Suleyman Victorian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Carisbrook Historical Society’s Alex Stoneman and Maryborough RSL sub-branch’s Danny McIver to read the ode.
Reflecting on her own recent travels to places impacted by war, Cr de Villiers reminded attendees that remembrance was not just about the past, but the ongoing impacts of war still felt today, and conflicts that continue.
“I just spent three weeks in Turkey, and went to Gallipoli for one day. I have never in my life, been so sad. It is the saddest, most desolate, horrible place in the world,” she said.
“Across the world today, we still have quite a few, Ukraine, what’s happening in Gaza, regions of Africa and places that are not even reported on. Millions of people still die.
“As we pause for silence today, it is to remember those who fell, those who returned, and those who continued to serve in rebuilding what has been broken, and lead us to rededicate ourselves for the cause for which they served.”
Chair of the Majorca Hall committee, David Willis, also spoke of the dedication behind the day’s official sign unveiling, completing the precinct’s upgrades.
“I’ve been here 55 years, and until Alex came along, I didn’t know we had an avenue of honour in Majorca,” he said.
In the past 18 months, a fence has been installed around the memorial park, in addition to 10 Algerian Oaks planted by local volunteers.
“In a few years time, when the trees mature a bit, those trees will look absolutely amazing,” Mr Willis said.
“It’s something else people will be able to come and look at, and it honours serviceman of both world wars. I just want to really thank Alex ... his commitment has just been fantastic.”
This gratitude was echoed by Ms Haylett.
“Remembrance Day, as we all know, is such an important oppor-tunity to remember the brave Australians who served in wars, conflicts and peace keeping opera-tions,” she said.
The congregation later gathered at Majorca Memorial Park to lay wreaths and observe the new signage, unveiled by Ms Haylett.
“I really commend the Carisbrook Historical Society for it’s dedication to memorialising this community’s rich history, your work will ensure the stories of those who we have lost will continue for generations to come,” Ms Haylett said.
The large sign displays infor-mation about local soldiers, the honour boards with their names and other memorials across the district. Some of these boards no longer exist, destroyed by fire or haven’t been located, despite the efforts of the Carisbrook Historical Society.
The other side shows the many public reserves that were once throughout Majorca, including parks and buildings, many that also no longer exist.
“The signage will ensure their contributions. Thank you for providing us all this opportunity to pause and reflect on the legacy of our nation’s brave veterans,” Ms Haylett said.
Mr Stoneman hopes those who pass through Majorca will now have an insight into the town’s history, including the residents who were lost to wars and conflict.
“For people who stop in Majorca, here is signage now that gives them information on this district, it’s community, its history, and I think that’s got a bit of value.” he said.
“That’s why I have been working for a number of years to make sure that travellers and locals know a bit more about the history.”