THE Midland railway workshops peace memorial was unveiled 100 years ago to commemorate the 70 workshop employees’ who died during WWI.

A further 26 fallen employees were added after WWII.

The memorial was officially opened on December 20, 1925 by WA governor Sir William Campion and dedicated by the Archbishop of Perth.

The monument consists of a square section granite column topped with a bronze female figure representing peace standing on a globe of the earth.

Her left hand holds a palm leaf representing peace with victory and the right hand outstretched represents a call for war to cease.

The figure’s head is crowned with a laurel wreath and she is trampling on a sword.

Funding for the memorial came from voluntary contributions from workshop employees’ and it was created by famed Italian sculptor Pietro Porcelli, with the bronze statue cast in Italy.

Midland resident Mary Calnon served as the model for the statue’s hands and arms.

Midland and Districts Historical Society chairperson Matthew Pavlinovich said the site was renewed by the Midland Redevelopment Authority (now Development WA) in 2001 with a new stairway up to the statue, landscaped gardens and reinstallation of the wrought iron fence.

“The first ANZAC ceremony also took place at the memorial that year with the event organised by the late City of Swan Mayor Charlie Gregorini,” Mr Pavlinovich said.

He said ANZAC Day ceremonies had previously been held at the Midland Town Hall with only Remembrance Day services held at the memorial.