Monash Militia Camp sign and book launch

100 years ago (Sir) John Monash and 3000 soldiers headed out to Lilydale and camped where the lake is now. They were out there for about a week and on the 13th they held a mock battle at Mount Mary.
To remember the event, yesterday a plaque and sign was unveiled at the hill above Lilydale Lake with information about the event. There was also a military band, guard of honour and volley salute to celebrate the unveiling. Afterwards a book with all the details of the week events and key people was launched at the Lilydale Lake community room.

Over the past few months I worked with Lilydale Rotary on designing the signage and Mt Evelyn RSL on designing the book layout. There will be a second sign unveiled on Thursday at Coldstream near where the Battle of Mount Mary was conducted.

I've done a few historic books in the past two years, but this is the first important piece of signage I've been involved in, so it was a great honour.

Below are a few photos I took during the event.

 

Anthony McAleer, author and historian

Michael Bennett - Great Grandson of Sir John Monash

Hon Ted Baillieu - Chair of the Victorian Anzac Centenary Committee

 

Photos below by Greg Carrick

 

Captain Bell - Adjutant 5th/6th RVR and Brigadier (retired) Michael Phelps AM unveiling the sign

 

Myself, Dave Monks (signwriter) and Anthony McAleer