Former Strathmerton Lions Club president Murray Hodgson said Sir Murray grew up on a farm just out of Strathmerton and now, four generations later, his family was still farming in the same place.
“Sir Murray Bourchier enlisted in the Light Horse Brigade in Numurkah during World War I and led the charge at the Battle of Beersheba, which was a significant turning point in the war,” he said.
“So he was a very prominent soldier, and if what I read is correct, he was much liked and respected. He didn't just send men into battle, he was among them.
“He then went on to become the deputy leader of what was formerly known as the Country Party in Victoria.”
Mr Hodgson said the Lions would like to recognise Sir Murray’s contribution to the Strathmerton community and even though it wasn’t his birthplace, it was where he grew up.
“We also want to attract a bit of tourism to Strathmerton,” he said.
“We believe it'll enhance the park area, as we get a lot of visitors stopping, especially at the bakery there and the toilet block.”
The planned memorial will be composed of a metal silhouette of Sir Murray on horseback, with his name across the base.
“We will have information boards and are certainly going to have a QR code that’ll allow you to get the whole history,” Mr Hodgson said.
“We've got a lot of people on board, the Strathmerton Community Steering Committee, the RSL, the Bourchier family and the Light Horse Society.”
Mr Hodgson said the Lions were trying to keep employment on the project local, with a local engineer already locked in to do the cutout of the statue.
If you would like to express either your support or opposition to the proposed memorial or get involved, you can email the Strathmerton Lions Clubs at strathmertonlions@gmail.com.
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