Port MacDonnell Memorial Wall

Share your thoughts on renewed designs and a proposed location for the Port MacDonnell Memorial Wall.

Background

Southern Limestone Coast Council has been working in collaboration with the Port MacDonnell & District Maritime Museum Committee over the course of several years to design and construct a Memorial Wall to commemorate the lives lost at sea along the Port MacDonnell coastline.

Consultation was undertaken on a previous design for the Memorial Wall in early 2024, when it was imagined as part of a larger precinct including a shipwreck walk.

The Shipwreck Walk has since been constructed, however the concept for the Memorial Wall has undergone further development and is now presented back to the community for consideration.

The Memorial Wall will be co-funded by Council and the Port MacDonnell & District Maritime Museum.

What is Proposed?

The design

The revised design echoes other memorial walls along the district’s coastline at Carpenter Rocks and Nene Valley.

The proposed wall is 1.8 metres high and approximately 5.7 metres in length, with a central section for the display of commemorative plaques and two wings. The wall will be finished in an acrylic render suited to the oceanfront conditions.

Each wing features a frame which can be used to display relevant imagery. The wall also features an inscription:

“We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain,
to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.”

Seating will also be included in the design, providing a space for quiet reflection. The proposed seating is constructed from Replas recycled plastic in a matching style to the existing outdoor furniture in Port MacDonnell.

The location

The proposed location for the Memorial Wall is at the entry to the Port MacDonnell boat ramp access, adjacent to the skate park and pump track in Tenterden Reserve. The site features ample parking and a connection to the cycling and walking path along the shorefront.

The location has been chosen for its proximity to the water and its visibility at the entrance to the boat ramp and wharf area, serving as a reminder for those heading out to sea to return safely.

Get Involved

Review the Memorial Wall design and share your feedback by:

• Completing the Feedback Form below
• Emailing your submission to info@slcc.sa.gov.au
• Submitting a hard-copy feedback form or letter to:
  • Council's Principal Office, 324 Commercial Street West Mount Gambier
  • Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5-7 Charles Street Port MacDonnell
  • PO Box 724, Mount Gambier SA 5290

Consultation closes 5pm Monday 12 October 2026.

Next Steps

All submissions will be deidentified in line with Council’s Privacy Policy and presented to Elected Members at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 October 2026, where Council will review the feedback and decide on next steps for the project.