Impact Area
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Preserving a landmark of remembrance
Standing proudly above the region, the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is one of Australia's most significant war memorials and a treasured place of reflection, remembrance and community connection. In 2025/26, Community Bank Gisborne & District was proud to donate $11,000 towards the restoration of this important landmark, helping ensure it can continue to serve future generations.
Alongside many generous local organisations, businesses and community members, our contribution supported critical conservation and restoration works needed to safely reopen the site ahead of Anzac Day 2026.
Safeguarding a heritage icon
The 21-metre Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is a State Heritage-listed monument of national significance and attracts more than 260,000 visitors each year. Following Stage 1 restoration works, additional funding was urgently required to address safety concerns, complete conservation works and prepare the site for public access.
Community support helped bridge this gap, enabling essential restoration efforts to continue and ensuring the site remained on track for reopening.
Creating a safe and accessible visitor experience
The restoration project focused on protecting the memorial's heritage fabric while improving safety and accessibility for visitors. Key works included removing temporary infrastructure, addressing conservation and structural issues, improving disability access and enhancing the visitor experience.
These improvements ensure that people of all ages and abilities can continue to visit the site, learn about its history and participate in important commemorative events.
Our funding helped complete Stage 1 of the restoration project and paved the way for Stage 2 works to commence. Thanks to the combined efforts of supporters across the community, the Memorial Cross reopened in time for Anzac Day 2026.
A lasting legacy for future generations
The restoration of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross demonstrates the power of local collaboration in preserving the places that matter most. By contributing to this project, we helped protect an important part of our region's history while ensuring future generations can continue to gather, reflect and honour those who have served.
This project is a lasting investment in the cultural, historical and educational value of one of the Macedon Ranges' most recognised landmarks.