Stage two of the Fallen Lifesavers Memorial at the southern end of Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach is planned to commence this September and conclude by the end of the year, weather and COVID-19 restrictions permitting.

The bronze memorial of a soldier and lifesaver with hands clasped in friendship, which honours the 3,500 lifesavers who died while serving in battle, was unveiled as stage one in 2014. Stage two, which will conclude the project, includes an interactive digital display listing the names of the fallen lifesavers, landscaping and ambient lighting.

“This is a space for locals, family members and others to reflect on and remember the sacrifice made by these brave souls,” stated Randwick Mayor Danny Said. “It is such a generous act of service to not only want to protect the lives of swimmers at the beach, but to also enlist to serve our country.

“It’s an honour to have this national memorial based in Coogee, which has such a proud and longstanding link with surf lifesaving, and to be able to thank these men and women for their sacrifice.

“We had originally planned to install the names on a wall, however this new plan provides a better outcome. It will reduce the space required for the memorial names and provides an interactive experience for family members researching loved ones lost in war. The digital interface means that information can be updated and added to more easily,” explained Mayor Said.

Upon completion, Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club will take over operation of the digital display as well as any updates to the information.

The bronze statue was sculpted by artist Alan Somerville who also created the statues of soldiers on Anzac Bridge.

The Coogee Lifesavers Memorial is a partnership between Randwick City Council, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Lifesaving NSW, Surf Lifesaving Australia, NSW Government and the Australian Government.