Situated in the middle of a field several kilometres along Grampians Road is a dual purpose memorial.

Known as a Peace Memorial, the obelisk marks the importance of the end of World War I, commemorating peace rather than war. It also serves as a marker as the site of the first Pleasant Creek alluvial gold settlement area that is now known as Illawarra.

The memorial was built nearly 100 years ago, with King George V selecting the date of July 19, 1919 to place on the plaque.

Approaching the memorial's centenary, concerned community members are working together to push for what they believe are "much needed" upgrades to the site.

The memorial is currently surrounded by overgrown trees, with roots closing in on the memorial and branches overhanging it.

Former Stawell resident Lachlan Campbell's great grandfather was involved with the memorial nearly 100 years ago, driving his own interest with the site.

He said there are several things we would like to see upgraded at the memorial.

"The trees are obviously a big issue, but there are also things like parking which could also be addressed," Mr Campbell said.

"Overall, I think a board or something of the like with information about the memorial would be what I would like to see most. It has stood there for nearly 100 years and I'm sure not too many people know much about it."

Roy Trimble has also been a big campaigner for upgrades to the site.

"It is quite a unique thing. Monuments Australia lists just seven peace memorials in Victoria," he said.

"The centenary is a good opportunity to bring it to the public's attention and let them know a bit about it."

Northern Grampians Shire Council was recently successful in a grant application for funding for upgrades to the memorial, receiving about $6500.

Councillor Murray Emerson said the funds will make for a "good start" in restoring the site.

"We will have discussions with several groups about how best to use that money because it isn't much," he said.

"We certainly hope to get some stuff done before the 100 year celebration.

"The peace memorial is a very important part of our community to recognise people who fought for us and gave us the relatively peaceful society we have now."

Council's application was supported by the Stawell Historical Society.

"It does need upgrading for people who drive past and wonder what it is," Stawell Historical Society research officer Jim Melbourne said.

"It was erected by the people of Stawell to commemorate the finish of the war so it is quite a special piece."

The Historical Society's supporting letter read: "Restoration of the Peace memorial would be an excellent way to ensure Stawell's heritage is always remembered and that the site of the historic marker... is finally recognised for its heritage value."

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