Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day) commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender and, for Australians, the end of World War II.

‘On the Tablelands, we remember the local men and women who served and those who were based on the Tablelands during WWII at a ceremony at Rocky Creek War Memorial Park,’ said Mayor Rod Marti.

‘This year is the 75th anniversary of victory in the Pacific and we’ll be dedicating six individual and two unit plaques during the ceremony.

‘The unit plaques recognise Reserved Occupations and the Australian Women’s Land Army.

‘We’ll also be unveiling a new memorial sculpture by Amanda Feher that represents the facilities, actions and people from the Rocky Creek site, which was the largest WWII military hospital in the southern hemisphere.

‘Guest speakers this year are WWII veteran Jack Duffy, who served in the merchant navy, and Millaa Millaa resident Margaret Plant, who will share information about the Rocky Creek nurses and female staff.

‘The event is from 10am on Saturday 15 August but, due to Covid-19 hygiene and physical distancing requirements, numbers are strictly capped.

‘We have a Covid Save Event Checklist in place so RSVPs are required and you will be required to register when you arrive.

‘If you can’t make it on the day, please head to the memorial park on another day to pay your respects and see the new memorial,’ said Mayor Marti.

RSVP to trcevents@trc.qld.gov.au or 1300 362 242 by Thursday 13 August.

You must not attend the event if you have flu-like symptoms and you will be asked to leave if you do.

Physical distancing of 1.5m must be maintained at all times, and we encourage you to download the COVIDSafe app.

The speed limit on the Kennedy Highway near the entrance to the memorial park will be reduced to 60km/hr between 9am and 11.30am on the day of the event.

Limited camping for self-contained vehicles is available in the adjacent rest area.