Hobsons Bay council will now allow cremated remains to be buried on council land – in exceptional circumstances.
Mayor Peter Hemphill says the council’s policy has been amended on request from the widow of Angus Walsh along with Chris Hirschfield of the Yarra II memorial trust.
“Angus Walsh was the key figure who tirelessly lobbied various governments and councils to find a site for the memorial to the HMAS Yarra II,” Cr Hemphill said.
“That memorial eventually found a home in Newport Park, quite appropriately at the mouth of the Yarra River. This memorial would not have been erected had it not been for the efforts of Angus.”
Mr Walsh’s ashes will be interred at the memorial.
“A precedent was set some years ago when the ashes of the last survivor of the HMAS Yarra II, Geoff Bromilow (Chris Hirschfield’s father), were buried at the base of the flagpole at the memorial,” Cr Hemphill said.
“The story of the HMAS Yarra II is one of pure gallantry during World War II. On the first Sunday every March, relatives and friends of the crew of the Yarra come to Newport to honour the brave men, who were either killed or survived [bombardment from two Japanese ships] in naval battle.
“It was a David and Goliath battle, in which the Yarra had no hope. Angus Walsh organised and ran the annual memorial service until he was no longer able.”
