Boxing great’s statue close

WARRAGUL is closer to unveiling the life-sized bronze Lionel Rose statue to be located in Queen Street Park.
Three limited-edition bronze maquettes remain from the original 15 commissioned to fund the statue and the Baw Baw Shire Council has committed to purchasing the final maquette at a cost of $12,000.
“This is an exciting opportunity to honour a truly great indigenous Australian sporting champion who was born right here in our shire,” Baw Baw Shire mayor Adam Tyson said.
The Koorie Heritage Trust, the Kilcunda Hotel, the Boxing Hall of Fame, and Melbourne sportsman’s institution the Vingt Cinq Club, are among organisations that have already purchased one of the maquettes.
The statue honouring Aboriginal bantam-weight boxing champion Lionel Rose, who was born and grew up at Jackson’s Track, Warragul, is supported by high profile sporting figures including AFL personality Kevin Sheedy and former rugby great Peter FitzSimons.
“Lionel’s statue will be a lasting tribute and inspiration for many generations,” Fitsimmons said.
Lionel Rose was named Australian of the Year in 1968, the first Aboriginal to be awarded the honour. The same year he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
According to Cr Tyson, the opportunity to purchase one of the hand-crafted bronze maquettes of Rose, by figurative sculptor Stephen Glassborow, is still available.
“We’d like to see one acquired in Baw Baw Shire, that would be a great outcome,” Cr Tyson said.
“A group of local businesses could band together and purchase one in partnership.
“The council will actively support any organisation that would like to be involved.”