Easier navigation of Caloundra memorial walkway

A NEW online database recently released by the Caloundra RSL Sub Branch will make it easier for relatives of deceased veterans to locate their memorial plaques on the Caloundra headland.

Home to 2,400 memorial plaques, visitors can often be overwhelmed by the 1.2km stretch between Shelly Beach and Kings Beach.

This online tool will now point users to one of 11 zones along the walkway, reducing the search zone from 1.2km to no more than 80m.

The database was developed by the sub branch’s senior vice-president Terry O’Connor with help from memorial walkway coordinator Frank Wratten and other military display volunteers.

Those interested in viewing the database directly can go to www.caloundrarsl.org.au/plaquetable.html or go through the Caloundra RSL website at www.caloundrarsl.org.au

Those unfamiliar with the area will also find a map of the Caloundra headland as well as GPS coordinates of the 11 zones via the Caloundra RSL website.

The memorial walkway was started in 1994 and has now become part of the town’s history.

The walkway extends about 600m from Caloundra Surf Lifesaving Club on Kings Beach around the headland to the Shelly Beach access road.

Along the walkway there are many sites dedicated to the memory of units that contributed to the defence of Australia. These include the memorial to Australian hospital ship Centaur, which was sunk by a Japanese submarine on May 14, 1943 with the loss of 268 lives.

The Caloundra headland memorial walkway is a relatively easy walk, even for those with mobility issues.

The walkway not only showcases Caloundra’s picturesque coastline but also provides a range of suitable places to pause and reflect on the sacrifice and commitment of those who served their nation.