The tributes were originally installed in 2016 as Commemoration Way along the Albany and South Western highways. They honour each recipient with a short biography, part of their citation as gazetted, and a photo.
The 19 weathered plaques have been replaced with new stainless steel plaques, refitted with a new Perspex cover, and the base of the memorial painted.
Teams of minimum-security prisoners from Karnet Prison Farm carried out the work along both highways under the guidance of Vocational Support Officers.
The plaques can be found at rest areas on the Albany Highway between Perth and Albany, and between Pinjarra and Bridgetown on the South Western Highway.
“It’s wonderful that prisoners have contributed to refurbishing Commemoration Way, which recognises a group of Western Australians for their tremendous acts of valour,” Corrective Services and Veterans Issues Minister Paul Papalia said.
Under the Section 95 program, approved prisoners undertake maintenance and construction work on community projects all around Western Australia.
“This is a great example of the valuable contributions that Section 95 prisoners make to the community as part of their rehabilitation journey,” Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said.
The Victoria Cross is awarded for extreme gallantry under direct enemy fire, while the George Cross, awarded to service personnel and civilians, recognises extreme bravery that did not involve contact with the enemy.
Recipients honoured on Commemoration Way include Private James Woods, awarded a VC for bravery in World War I France, and Lieutenant Frederick Bell, a Boer War and World War I veteran, for valour in South Africa.
The restoration project has been a joint initiative between the Department of Justice, Defence West and Main Roads Western Australia.
