History of Stanhope War Memorial

The Stanhope War Memorial is located in McEwen Place in Birdwood Avenue, Stanhope, right in the centre of the township.

The Stanhope memorial is one of seven in Victoria which have a clock inserted in it. Stanhope district was opened up by the closer settlement scheme, which issued farming land to returning WWI soldiers.

The most famous soldier settler was Sir John McEwen (Black Jack). He went on to become Prime Minister of Australia after Harold Holt drowned in 1967.

Most of Stanhope’s streets were named after high ranking military personal, such as Birdwood, Monash ,Blamey, Steele, Ryrie, Glasgow, Savige, Tivey, Bridges, and Brudenell streets.

Stanhope RSL sub branch was one of the first formed in Victoria and held its first meeting on 29th November 1918. Over the years membership grew to over 80 members and today is still active with 17 members. The branch is still active with bi monthly meetings and conducts Remembrance and Anzac Day services each year.