Welcome to the Apollo Bay RSL


Currently the Apollo Bay War Memorial is situated at the top end of the main street which is the Great Ocean Road and is on a small island of land of uneven ground surrounded by roads. On ANZAC Day each year we need to run power leads from a nearby house to power a PA  system, lights and a projector. We also have to set up for a band, have chairs on the road (which slopes), and a marquee to protect expensive sound equipment and musical instruments. This all means that it is a big effort to be ready on time for the service.

Vicroads have developed a concept plan for the intersection of the GOR and Nelson Street which proposes the relocation of the War Memorial to the foreshore 22 metres from where it stands now.

This relocation will allow for power, lights and PA plug-ins thus eliminating running leads all over the road, there will be a platform area around the memorial, permanent seating, landscaping, and most of all, the memorial will be elevated to ensure that it is seen from the main shopping area and so maintain it’s significance as part of the Apollo Bay streetscape as described by the Victorian Heritage Register.

This article is from the Geelong Advertiser Thursday 14 August 1919 referring to an event that was held on Friday 8 August 1919
On Friday evening, in the Public Hall,
Apollo Bay, Captain Morley, organising sec-
retary of the Ocean Road Trust, presented
26 returned men and Nurse Sister M’Coll
with medals on behalf of the residents. A
large audience assembled and were ad-
dressed bv Captain Morley, who detailed
the principal events of the war. For a
population of only 600, Apollo Bay sent
away a larger proportion of men to fight
than many other districts. Eleven paid the
supreme sacrifice, and many decorations
were won in addition to several commis-
sions. The honor board contains 127
names. A concert and dance filled in a
good portion of the evening. Cr. Leonard
Martin presided, and Cr Stanford proposed
a vote of thanks to Captain Morley  which
was supported by Cr Berry. A branch of
the Returned Soldiers and Sailors League
was opened the same evening, with 40 mem-
bers. The League is going to erect a
monument to the fallen soldiers. Each
member is to share the cost, and the pub-
lic will not be called upon to contribute
in any way.
geelong advertiser 1919
This is from The Argus Wednesday 15 November 1922
The unveiling was on Saturday 11 November 1922
APOLLO BAY-A memorial to fallen soldiers
was unveiled at Apollo Bay on Saturday. The
memorial contains the names of 18 soldiers who
died on active service.
the argus 1922