Quilpie dedicates memorial to Australians who died in Afghanistan
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
Today is the 10th anniversary of the death of Australian soldier Stjepan ‘Rick’ Milosevic in Afghanistan. On the weekend, his home town, Quilpie, dedicated a memorial to him and the two comrades who died with him.
Lance Corporal Milosevic, Sapper James Martin, and Private Robert Poate were shot dead by a rogue Afghan soldier at Patrol Base Wahab in Uruzgan province in 2012.
About 250 people attended the dedication ceremony on Saturday on the outskirts of Quilpie, in the south-west Queensland Channel Country, about 1000 kilometres west of Brisbane.
The memorial was built on the Diamantina Development Road at a place known to locals as the Jump-Up, which indicates their journey home to Quilpie is almost over.
Rick’s partner, Kelly Walton, said the place was very special to him.
“The Jump Up is a place that many locals recognise as a spiritual homecoming spot as you drive into Quilpie.
“It’s a place where Rick and his friends shared many fun times as they were growing up.”
The launch of the memorial had been delayed several times because of COVID-19. Kelly said it was good to get back to Quilpie.
“It has been bittersweet and emotional for both our daughters and I, but we’re also glad to be getting back to Quilpie and being surrounded by Rick’s family, friends, and Army mates, as well as James’ and Robbie’s families.
“We have forged a very close bond and this memorial also pays tribute to them. They travelled from Canberra and Western Australia to join us and also honour James and Robbie.
“Quilpie is a beautiful community and locals and Council have really rallied to help create this special memorial for Rick. I think he would be very happy that we’re remembering him in such a special spot.
“We intend to continue building on the memorial and are already looking at Stage 2.
“We see Rick’s memorial as a location that visitors and locals alike will be able to come to for quiet reflection and remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice that many soldiers have made for their country.”
