Government funding for 20 new war memorials
Work to conserve 20 war memorials across the state will soon be undertaken following grants provided from the NSW Government’s $125,000 Community War Memorials Fund.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the money, made available under Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund 2022/23, would be invested in the protection and repair of local war memorials.
“Thirty-nine applications were received from a range of organisations including RSL sub-Branches, local councils, and community committees to help support war memorials in communities across NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
“War memorials help local communities commemorate the sacrifice of service men and women and reflect more than 100 years of service and sacrifices made by our veterans.
“Grants up to $10,000 will provide a significant boost to community organisations to help ensure the presence of local war memorials in the community is secured for future generations.
“On Anzac Day communities gather at their local war memorials to pay respect and honour our diggers - it is vitally important these memorials are protected to ensure all generations understand and remember the sacrifices made during the war,” Mr Elliott said.
“Funding is being provided to assist with a range of conservation projects including condition assessments, specialist cleaning and repairs, which are all important aspects of how we manage the places of commemoration that help us acknowledge our military history.”
City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch President, John Sperring, said the $10,000 received would be a significant help in the restoration work of the Wollongong Cenotaph including cleaning, repairs to sandstone and marble features, and repainting of lettering.
“I would like to thank the NSW Government for this funding, which will now enable the restoration to be completed ahead of the 100th anniversary of the memorial in June 2023,” Mr Sperring said.
Round 2 of the Community War Memorials Fund will open on Remembrance Day, 11 November, 2022 and close on 13 February 2023. Further information available here.
MEDIA: Tracey Arthur | 0456 364 973