Today, as the nation pauses to remember the courage, endurance and mateship created when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed in Gallipoli in 1915, the Creswick community will gather around 240 white crosses

representing the fallen.

Mr Bellingham makes and paints the crosses by hand.

The 94-year-old began making the crosses after returning from World War II. He served in the army for four years at New Guinea, Wewak, Milne Bay and Port Moresby.

Working in New Guinea for two years, Mr Bellingham carted food supplies to an old coconut factory which were flown to the Kokoda Track.

He said when he returned to Australia and was waiting to be discharged from the army, he did a showcard and ticket writing course at Melbourne Technical College, which gave him the skill to do beautiful lettering.

"I like the old English lettering or modified old English," he said.

Mr Bellingham wrote showcards for the Royal Melbourne Show and taught himself how to paint with oils.

He then got a job ticket writing at Huntly's in Creswick. The skill also became handy when writing the names on the white crosses.

As well as making the crosses, Mr Bellingham makes items including towel racks and children's wheelbarrows for local charity organisations.

"It's a hobby and determination," he said.

Mr Bellingham, who was born in North Creswick and has lived there for 72 years, has been described as community minded for making the crosses.

Resident Marj White said he had a "labour of love and dedication" to the community.

Mr Bellingham has made white crosses for Ms White's husband and son who both died after World War II.

"I am very grateful to Arthur for including me in the field of crosses. They represent all other wives and daughters who have lost fathers and brothers," she said.