75th Anniversary Book released.

THE Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA) has released a book commemorating the history of the Association, its affiliates and the Buderim area, as well as unveil an Honour Roll recognising BWMCA Honorary Life Members and past Presidents.

BWMCA President Errol Richardson said while 75th anniversary celebrations had initially been planned for 2020, they have had to be postponed twice due to Covid-19 and would now be celebrated in 2022, the Association was keen to acknowledge the milestone with the unveiling of the Honour Board and release of the book “Celebrating the Buderim War Memorial Community Association 75th Anniversary”.

Mr Richardson said the book has been edited by BWMCA member Lee Rasmussen. Lee is also the daughter of Graeme Ensoll, a stalwart of the BWMCA, Honorary Life Member, and Graeme was also jointly responsible for the restoration of the Old Post Office in 1999.

“We were very lucky that Lee took on the rather onerous task of updating the history of the BWMCA and bringing it all together in this new book,” Mr Richardson said. “We are also grateful to Push Productions, who then completed the graphic design and managed the printing.”

Mrs Rasmussen said the book included information about the BWMCA, which was formed in 1945 to create a living memorial to the wartime sacrifice of the service men and women of the two World Wars, to embrace the freedoms for which men and women in the armed services have fought and died to defend on our behalf.

“The Book includes information about the Association today as well as its history and its heritage properties - the Old Post Office, Pioneer Cottage and the Buderim War Memorial Hall,” Mrs Rasmussen said.

It also includes information about some of the more than 70 community groups affiliated with the BWMCA.
“The process of collecting information from long serving BWMCA members, the Affiliate organisations and the Buderim Historical Society was a very interesting experience, particularly as I have lived in Buderim for such a short time,” Mrs Rasmussen said.

The Book was officially launched by BWMCA Honorary Life Member Simon Whittle, who has served a total of 10 years as President and made an exceptional contribution. “Simon is a bit of a legend in BWMCA circles and was instrumental in the establishing the Buderim Foundation. His enthusiasm and affinity for the Association has never wavered,” Mr Richardson said.

Mr Richardson said the new Roll was in recognition of those who had provided long service through the Association to the community, which has grown significantly from the approximate 600 residents in 1945.

“During my short time as President, I have been somewhat overwhelmed by the strong, continuing support, the upholding of the ideal of “service to commemorate sacrifice” and love of the BWMCA by those in the community who are past committee members, office bearers and presidents of the BWMCA.

“The desire to do good things for the community and to serve their community that drove them in the years past, is still there, which is reflected in the significant goodwill held by the community for the Association and the high regard and respect given to the Association and Presidents present or past. “To be a part of this living memorial during its 76-year history is very humbling to experience.”