KIAMA-Jamberoo RSL president Ian Pullar has praised the efforts of Kiama Municipal Council general manager Michael Forsyth for his assistance in making their dream of putting the Centenary of Anzac logo on Kiama Lighthouse a reality.
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Mr Pullar said the process of gaining approval for the placement of the logo took a number of years of "jumping through hoops" at both local government and RSL levels.
On seeing the logo in place, Mr Pullar said the end result was extremely gratifying.
“We watched it being put on yesterday afternoon and as it went up I remember thinking that anyone who had problems about it going on the lighthouse would think it looked really good,” Mr Pullar said.
“It’s like one icon (the lighthouse) meeting another icon (Anzac) and the two complement each other and it will also be educational.
"Anyone who doesn’t know much about Anzac will be able to look it and ask what Anzac is all about.
“From there they may very well go away and want to learn more.
“I think it is going to attract a lot of people – even when it was going on yesterday people where taking photos and they still are today.
"When the word gets out it will definitely attract a lot more attention.
“It (the lighthouse) really is one of the most prominent landmarks in the Kiama region and to put the Anzac logo on it actually complements it in a way that gives the remembrance of World War I more prominence.
“And we are proud to say that it is the only lighthouse in Australia to share this special occasion.”
Mr Pullar explained that the dates 2014-2018 on the logo might cause some confusion, but the RSL celebration was for the four years that World War I ran, 1914-1918.
He said Mr Forsyth’s contribution had been a major factor in gaining approval for the logo.
“His work in dealing with all the official organisations in government had been first-class,'' Mr Pullar said.
“Any time we had any flak from government organisations he just dealt with it, and without his assistance I really doubt we would be here talking about it now.”
“Without Michael it wouldn’t have happened – in fact everyone at council was extremely helpful.''
Mr Forsyth said everyone at council should be delighted with the result.
“Normally we wouldn’t support anything being put on the lighthouse, but this being such a significant event is the reason we fought so hard for it,” Mr Forsyth said.
“The fact that it has been done so tastefully will be a great meeting place for a very special Anzac service on Anzac Day, and I think it will attract a lot of people who will want to come and look and admire it.”
