Scott descendants welcome memorial move

The descendants of Bunbury’s first European settlers have welcomed a decision to move a memorial celebrating the pioneering family.

Bunbury City Council last month voted to move the Scott Family Memorial from Anzac Park to Centenary Gardens following a request from the Bunbury RSL.

Sixth generation descendant Evonne Scott said the family supported the move.

“The family definitely supports it, Centenary Gardens is the most appropriate place,” Ms Scott said.

The memorial was erected in 1961 in the then named Soldiers Park and recognises first settlers John and Helen Scott, their sons Robert, William and John Jnr and stepson Daniel McGregor.

The family arrived in Bunbury in January 1838.

The Scotts settled and lived at Eelup Farm for 43 years and many of their descendants still live in Greater Bunbury, including Ms Scott, who lives in Capel.

“We would love something to recognise them at the Eelup Roundabout, but this would obviously just disappear in there,” Ms Scott said.

Having aged over the more than 50 years at Anzac Park, the memorial will be restored and something to recognise the original Eelup Farm homestead will be added, according to Ms Scott.

Mayor Gary Brennan said relocating the memorial was appropriate because it was accessible to the public and other significant memorials were located at the new location.

“Centenary Gardens is the perfect place for this monument as it already contains recognition for other significant figures in Bunbury’s history,” Mr Brennan said.

The memorial will be relocated after approval from the State Heritage Office.