Borella-Jacka commemorative sculpture to be unveiled

Published on 12 April 2018

A commemorative sculpture paying tribute to two prominent residents of Loddon Shire – Albert Borella and Albert Jacka will be unveiled this coming Anzac Day at Wedderburn’s Soldiers’ Memorial Park.

The Borella-Jacka Victoria Cross Commemorative Sculpture, which has been created by Everlon Bronze, captures both men as they were awarded the Victoria Cross in recognition of their service during the First World War.

Loddon Shire Anzac Centenary Organising Committee Chair and Loddon Shire Councillor Gavan Holt said the commemorative sculpture recognised the significant achievements of both men.

“It is quite remarkable that both these men, who were recipients of the Victoria Cross for their service during the First World War, grew up in the former Shire of Korong, which was centred on Wedderburn and now forms part of the Loddon Shire Council,” Cr Holt said.

“Albert Jacka lived in Wedderburn, while Albert Borella lived in the district of Borung; however, Albert Borella’s family spent a lot of time in Wedderburn, as it was the Borella social and shopping centre. They frequently shopped at Steel’s store, which is now the Wedderburn RSL clubrooms.”

Cr Holt added that the Loddon Anzac Centenary Organising Committee, in planning projects and events in the Shire for the 2015 Anzac centenary, also sought to recognise the highly decorated soldiers.

“Following the Anzac centenary commemorations in Serpentine and across Loddon Shire, the Loddon Anzac Centenary Organising Committee wanted to honour the remarkable occurrence of having two Victoria Cross recipients in our Shire,” Cr Holt said.

“All throughout this process we liaised with the Borella and Jacka families, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both families for their invaluable contribution in helping get these prominent men recognised.”

Information boards telling the history of Albert Borella and Albert Jacka will complement the commemorative sculpture. New flag poles, seating, lighting and drinking fountains have also been installed, making the area a place for people to gather and spend time.

“To have the Borella-Jacka Victoria Cross Commemorative Sculpture at the Soldiers’ Memorial Park is certainly a fitting tribute, and it will become something of a Wedderburn icon,” Cr Holt added.

The project was made possible due to funding from the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, the Victorian Government, the Victorian Veterans Council and Loddon Shire Council.

The Borella-Jacka Project Steering Group also helped guide and support the development of the sculpture.

The unveiling of the Borella-Jacka Victoria Cross Commemorative Sculpture will take place on Wednesday 25 April 2018 at 11.45am at the Soldiers’ Memorial Park in Wedderburn.

Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the opening. Please RSVP to dcw@loddon.vic.gov.au or call 5494 1230 if you wish to attend.

Anzac day activities prior to the sculpture unveiling will include the Wedderburn Dawn Service at 6.15am, the Korong Vale Anzac Service at 9.00am, a march to Soldiers’ Memorial Park from the Wedderburn RSL at 11am, followed by the Wedderburn Anzac Service at 11.15am.