Karen has travelled the world polishing and restoring war graves and plaques. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
War memorials and graves are sites of great importance to many people around the world, but for Karen Doyle, they are of special significance.
As the owner of Grave Keepers, Karen travels the country to restore and polish graves and memorials as a means to keep the memories of those who have passed in pristine condition.
“I grew up in Tumut, but I’ve serviced places all around,” she said.
“I’m based in Canberra, and I’ve climbed Kakoda to help with and look at the graves and war cemeteries that they have over there.
“I’ve travelled as far as Arlington in America, and I even had the privilege to clean a grave for the only Australian buried in Arlington. I’m very proud of the work I do.”
Most recently, Karen and Grave Keepers were hired by Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) to help restore the honour roll at the Victory Memorial Gardens.
Karen and Grave Keepers have been hired several times by Wagga Wagga City Council to restore the honour roll. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
“I do call them (these sites) my boys. I hope it doesn’t sound disrespectful, but I’m very protective of this site. It has a deeper meaning. My father and father-in-law both served, and I’m very proud of that,” she said.
“I originally was employed by the council in 2015 to come here and refurbish this site, and I’ve come back again this year. Refurbishing them basically means cleaning up the plaques. This time, we taped them off, we painted them and then spent four hours buffing them.
“From the last count, there were 37 plaques, and it took about three weeks to clean and refurbish all of them.
“If they’re not consistently looked after and lacquered, this green tinge from the nickel comes out and tarnishes it. We call it mould.
“The names on the plaques need to be maintained, otherwise they become quite thin and wear out.”
In addition to the honour roll, WWCC has also completed works on the eternal flame.
The site had been closed since May, with the works coming thanks to a $147,425 grant from the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Wagga Honour Roll and Eternal Flame Memorial officially reopened earlier this week with a ceremony held by WWCC and the Wagga RSL sub-branch.
RSL president Rod Cooper applauded WWCC’s refurbishment project, explaining the importance of the honour roll and the eternal flame.
In addition to the honour roll, WWCC has also restored the eternal flame. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
“The result is a beautifully renewed space that honours our past and inspires our present,” Mr Cooper said.
“These sacred memorials hold deep significance for our community. The eternal flame is a powerful symbol of enduring respect and remembrance, while the wall of remembrance stands as a solemn tribute to those who have served and sacrificed in defence of our nation.”
The site has now been reopened to the public.
