Bundaberg has its own Peace Pole thanks to the Bundaberg Lions Club.
Buss Park Peace Pole marks 100 years of Lions Community Service.
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On Thursday 21 September 2017, the International Day of Peace, members of the Bundaberg Lions Club joined councilors and staff of the Bundaberg Regional Council to unveil a peace pole in Buss Park. The peace pole has an octagonal cross-section with the message “May peace prevail on Earth” displayed in eight languages, significant to people of the Bundaberg district.
The Peace Pole is Bundaberg’s addition to the tens of thousands of similar monuments found in over 180 countries. The unveiling on 21 September 2017 coincided with a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly that is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. This sentiment aligns closely with the stated purposes of Lions Clubs International.
2017 also marks one hundred years since the international Lions organisation was formed. The Bundaberg Lions Club, formed in 1964, was Bundaberg’s first. Members continue to serve the Bundaberg community, more than fifty years later.
The concept of presenting a peace pole to the citizens of Bundaberg was promoted by past Club President, Rino Gastaldon. While attending the Lions International Convention in Toronto in 2014, Rino met Japanese Lions who were advocating the construction of peace poles around the world. He convinced Bundaberg Lions Club members of the project’s worthiness; resulting in a lasting monument, in a prominent location, to promote international peace and celebrate a centenary of Lions’ community service.
The languages displayed on the pole’s eight surfaces have been selected for their close association with Bundaberg’s history:
- Gurang – recognising the traditional owners of the land
- Chinese – in recognition of our Sister City, Nanning
- Japanese – in recognition of our sister City, Settsu
- German – honouring our early European settlers
- Byslama – respecting the role played by South Sea Islander people in the development of Bundaberg
- Italian – paying homage to the large Italian community, particularly in the farming sector
- Filipino – recognising the district’s large Filipino community
- English – our most widely spoken language.
Lions thank Bundaberg Regional Council for its support for the project and various suppliers who donated materials, time and skills to complete the project.
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Mayor of Bundaberg Regional Council congratulating Bundaberg Lions for the Peace Pole Project.
What is a Peace Pole you ask?
Check out Wikipedia Peace Pole (click to link)