Councillor Paul Bridges dressed in army attire at the council meeting where he aired his views.
Camera IconCouncillor Paul Bridges dressed in army attire at the council meeting where he aired his views. Credit: Supplied/Belinda Cipriano

Last stand for heroes

Belinda Cipriano, Eastern ReporterEastern Reporter

The attire, according to the councillor and president of the Bassendean Historical Society, was a silent protest opposing the relocation of the Town’s war memorial and keeping the issue front and centre.

Cr Bridges, who received the highest percentage of votes at the recent local elections ” ahead of Crs Mike Lewis and Gerry Pule ” said moving the memorial was disrespectful.

‘I wore the uniform as worn by the diggers who fought and fell, and that are listed on our memorial, to keep the issue of moving the war memorial front and centre,’ Cr Bridges said.

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‘My election material stated that moving the memorial was disrespectful and that it should be upgraded in its current location ” in the heart of town.

‘People voted for me based on the issues I stand for ” not because I’m a nice person.’

Cr Bridges said the council had no mandate to move the memorial and, despite there being two petitions and public meetings opposing the relocation, it was still going ahead.

‘Council prides itself on being open to listen to what people think, but on this issue they are just not hearing,’ he said. ‘As president of the Bassendean Historical Society I will defend our cultural and natural heritage.’

Cr John Gangell was re- elected as Mayor of the Town.