Memorial statue unveiled

Apr 25, 2022

Tribute: The Sir Murray Bourchier statue. Photo by Darren Linton

A memorial statue of soldier Sir Murray Bourchier was unveiled on April 24 in Queen’s Gardens, Shepparton.

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Beyond his military service, Sir Murray was a farmer at Strathmerton and Katandra and a member of the Victorian Parliament.

The memorial sculpture depicts a horse and rider, signifying the Battle of Beersheba and Sir Murray.

The Sir Murray Bourchier Memorial Advisory Committee responsible for the sculpture was formed a number of years ago by members from the Shepparton RSL and Sir Murray’s family and Greater Shepparton City Council representatives, with the goal of producing a sculpture to represent his military accomplishments.

In 2013 an expression of interest went out to the community to design the sculpture. The successful design was created by Paul Smits. Unfortunately, Paul was unable to complete the sculpture as he died unexpectedly.

Ewen Coats from Coates Studio Foundry, who was involved in the bronzing of the statue, took on the completion of the sculpture.

John Bourchier, who was involved in the project from its inception, said his family was bursting with pride.

“It is a real honour to have Sir Murray recognised not only for his military achievements, but also as a family man, as a local farmer and also for his political career,” Mr Bourchier said.

“It is recognition of a man that really not only fought during the war, but when he came home, he fought very strongly for all his fellow soldiers who served under him.”

As a politician, Sir Murray was a fierce advocate for looking after veterans and was instrumental in the establishment of a soldier settlement scheme.

Sir Murray had endured seven months in Gallipoli, but when he wrote home all he wanted to talk about was cattle prices and rainfall.

He returned in 1919, establishing his farm at Katandra.

The sculpture project, which took more than a decade to realise, was initially kicked off by Jeanette Powell, who as the then State Member for Shepparton secured $50,000 in seed funding.

“This is a very proud day where we honour the life of service of a local hero,” Mrs Powell said.

“I hope this statue will also be a fitting tribute to those who served their country, those who gave their lives for their country, and those who made sacrifices for the country.”