The Significance of the Centaur

The Centaur symbolizes hope and resilience. It has provided solace for many POWs who returned to the park to find peace and remember their friends who didn't survive the brutal conditions. The Centaur is a powerful reminder of their sacrifices and the importance of preserving their legacy. This landmark is more than just a structure; it’s a beacon of memory and a testament to human endurance.

The Need for Restoration

Rebuilding the Centaur: The Centaur itself requires structural repairs to restore it to its original glory. This includes reinforcing the base, repairing any damage to the stonework, and cleaning the monument to ensure it stands strong for years to come.

The Centaur needs urgent restoration to continue serving as a fitting tribute to the POWs. Our restoration project includes several key tasks:

Setting Up Lighting: Proper lighting is essential to highlight the Centaur and make it visible and respectful at night. We plan to install LED lights that will illuminate the monument, making it a prominent feature of the park both day and night.

Adding New Flags: Fresh, new flags will be installed to honor the POWs and their nations. These flags will be prominently displayed around the Centaur, representing the international nature of the sacrifices made.

Improving Disabled Access: Accessibility is a priority. We will build ramps and ensure the pathways are smooth and wide enough for wheelchair access, allowing all visitors to reach the Centaur comfortably and safely.

Improving Disabled Access: Accessibility is a priority. We will build ramps and ensure the pathways are smooth and wide enough for wheelchair access, allowing all visitors to reach the Centaur comfortably and safely.

Enhancing Signage and Adding Silhouette POWs: Informative signage will be placed around the Centaur to educate visitors about its significance and the history of the POWs. Additionally, we will install six silhouette figures of POWs, creating a poignant and visual representation of the men who suffered and endured.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

In addition to the silhouettes, we will install night-time path lighting throughout the park. This will create a safe and inviting atmosphere for visitors, allowing them to explore the park after dark and experience the silhouettes in their glowing splendor. The combination of the illuminated silhouettes and path lighting will transform the park into a serene and reflective space, perfect for evening visits.

The Plan

We aim to raise $15,000 to complete this essential restoration project. This is a manageable goal that, with the right support, we can achieve quickly. Our team at St. Andrew's is reaching out to the community, former POWs, their families, and anyone passionate about preserving history to help us.

Donate: Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Your donation will directly fund the rebuilding, lighting, accessibility improvements, speaker system, new flags, and educational displays.

Share: Spread the word about our project. The more people know, the quicker we can reach our target. Share our mission on social media, tell your friends and family, and encourage others to get involved.

Volunteer: If you have skills or time to offer, we welcome your support. Whether you are a builder, electrician, historian, or simply someone with a passion for helping, your involvement can make a significant impact.

Conclusion

By incorporating these illuminated POW silhouettes and enhancing the park with night-time lighting, we aim to create a unique and moving experience for visitors. The silhouettes will serve as a powerful visual reminder of the POWs' resilience, making the Weary Dunlop Memorial Park a compelling destination both day and night. Your support in this project will help us bring these visions to life, ensuring that the legacy of the POWs is honored in a meaningful and enduring way. Join us in creating a place of remembrance and reflection that will inspire generations to come.

Join Us

To learn more about the Weary Dunlop Memorial Park project and how you can get involved, visit the Home Phu Toey website or contact the resort directly. Together, let's honor Weary Dunlop's legacy and ensure that the stories of courage and compassion endure.

Thank you for your support!