Nurse statue to be installed at Cleveland's Anzac memorial precinct

The $55,000 piece, which was designed to depict a standing nurse comforting a wounded digger, is scheduled for installation in time for Remembrance Day in November.

Redlands RSL sub-branch committee president Alan Harcourt said the work was commissioned to pay respect to the services of health workers in Australia’s wartime operations.

“Nurses are not recognised as much as they should be and we would like to get something of the nurse incorporated in our precinct,” he said.

“They are a group that has over the years received little kudos for the outstanding service they have and do provide, in sometimes dangerous conditions.”

About 8000 nurses volunteered to work for the Australian Defence Force throughout the world wars, with essential health services still provided to officers by medical staff employed by the Department.

The granite-based statue, which includes a bronze plaque at the front and stands 1.8m high, will sit on a yet-to-be poured concrete slab set within metres of the commemorative dog in the park’s ceremonial area.

Mr Harcourt said the statue would be a first for south-east Queensland, with plans to have the display illuminated also in progress.

Stonemason Chris Wagner, from  J.H. Wagner & Sons, said he relished his company’s involvement in the project.  

“The design is unique and we are excited to be part of the project with the RSL,” he said.

Mr Wagner said the process to make the statue could take about six months from concept, which included the design process, templating and moulding.

While the statue will not be installed in time for Anzac Day on April 25, Mr Harcourt said representatives from the Royal Australian Nursing Corps would be in attendance on the day.

The dawn service is scheduled to begin at 5.30am, the main parade at 10.20am and the main commemorative service at 11am.

For more on the Redlands RSL sub-branch Anzac Day celebrations, visit here.