Young veterans honoured in Cotton Tree Cenotaph upgrade

A team of proud caretakers 

Cotton Tree Cenotaph has been a place of reverence for the Maroochydore community since 1986. Located along a serene waterfront esplanade, the memorial and its surrounding gardens are proudly maintained by a team of volunteers from Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch.  

The updated cenotaph is designed to honour all generations of veterans

Part of the team overseeing these important works is Sub Branch President and RAAF veteran Peter Tsakissiris. 

“The veteran community at Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch is vibrant and supportive,” Peter says.  

“As of November 2024, we have 834 members, nine life members and 45 volunteers who help provide a great service to all veterans in our community and foster camaraderie, mateship and resilience. 

“Our dedicated team, in close partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council, works diligently to maintain the Cotton Tree Cenotaph area, ensuring it remains in excellent condition despite the wear from the harsh Australian elements.  

“Our goal is to preserve it as an inclusive space for reflection, ensuring every veteran feels honoured, supported and remembered.” 

Almost four decades since its dedication, the cenotaph remains a place for community commemoration and recognition of Australian Defence personnel, especially those who have suffered and sacrificed in armed conflicts and peacekeeping operations. For veterans, it plays an essential role in acknowledging the breadth of their service. 

A more inclusive memorial 

Cotton Tree Cenotaph has received a few upgrades in its lifetime, including a refurbishment completed in 2006 and the installation of an eternal flame in 2018. More recently, the community identified a crucial need to honour younger veterans at the site, motivating officials from Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch and Sunshine Coast Council to set works in motion. 

“The cenotaph is a place where we recognise the service of all Defence personnel, and it was important to have it reflect the enormous contribution to our national security in conflicts and operations post-Vietnam,” Peter explains. 

“It was also important for the upgraded site to bridge generational gaps and create a shared space of remembrance and unity for veterans of all ages.” 

The original Cotton Tree Cenotaph in 1961

Two key changes were made to honour those who have served in more recent conflicts and operations. First, the existing plaque was upgraded to mention conflicts in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq. Second, a new plaque was created to acknowledge those who served in peacekeeping and peacemaking operations in Somalia, Bougainville, East Timor, Cambodia, Sinai and Rwanda. 

“This cenotaph is now a truly inclusive monument where everyone can come together to remember, reflect, and express gratitude,” Peter says.  

“It is a place where families can bring younger generations to educate them about Australia’s ongoing commitment to peace and international stability, beyond the well-known conflicts.”. 

Remembrance Day at the cenotaph 

Works to the cenotaph were completed in time for Remembrance Day 2024, providing a fitting opportunity for veterans and community members to gather and commemorate at the upgraded memorial grounds. 

“Holding the 2024 Remembrance Day service at the upgraded cenotaph was incredibly meaningful for our Sub Branch members because it provided an opportunity to formally honour those whose service was not previously recognised at the site,” Peter says. 

“The upgraded plaques added a layer of resonance to the service, allowing members and attendees to feel that our community acknowledges all aspects of service. It was a profound and moving day, and a moment that felt inclusive and unifying.” 

RSL Queensland State President Stephen Day DSC AM at the cenotaph

Following the service, the upgraded cenotaph received overwhelmingly positive feedback from veterans and community members alike. 

“The response has been incredibly positive and heartfelt, with many veterans expressing appreciation for the updated plaques and community members noting that the cenotaph now feels more representative and inclusive of our collective history,” Peter says. 

With the project now unveiled, Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch representatives hope the upgraded cenotaph will serve as a place for community reflection and education. 

“We hope that visitors feel a deep sense of respect for and understanding of the commitment of Australia’s service personnel in conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Peter says. 

“Our aim is for every visitor to leave with a greater awareness and appreciation of the sacrifices made by Australian men and women in service to our nation.” 

For those interested in visiting the Cotton Tree Cenotaph, the site can be found at 53 The Esplanade, Maroochydore. 

Keen to join or volunteer with RSL Queensland? Find your local RSL Sub Branch and become a member.