$130,000 breathes new life into war memorials

One of the first war memorials to commemorate the contribution of Indigenous Australians during the Great War will be revitalised as part of the latest round of Community War Memorial Fund grants.

Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said an investment of more than $130,000 would protect and repair 21 war memorials across the state as a legacy of the Centenary of Anzac.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are committed to safeguarding the legacy of our servicemen and women by funding conservation works, ensuring locals have a place to commemorate the service and sacrifice of defence personnel,” Mr Elliott said.

“The Community War Memorial Fund is part of an extensive program of work happening right through the Centenary of Anzac, including the $40 million upgrade of the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.”

Of the 21 projects selected to receive funding, 18 are in regional NSW. Some of these projects include:

• $5,200 for maintenance of the Caroona Walhallow Gate of Memory Memorial, one of the first war memorials to commemorate Indigenous veterans;
•  $3,500 for repairs at the entrance to the Inverell Memorial Swimming Pool;
• $3,000 for maintenance of the Branxton WW1 Rotunda and its gardens; and
• $10,000 for conservation work to the Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall to replace timber windows with matching replicas.

Mr Elliott said the NSW Liberals & Nationals were also honouring those who survive and continue to serve by investing in the Invictus Games 2018 for wounded veterans and NSW’s own Veterans Employment Program.

“The program has so far helped more than 500 veterans find jobs in the NSW public sector, smashing its target of 200 jobs, and proving yet again that NSW is the state of opportunity.”

Visit the Community War Memorials Fund page for more information.