Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has called on local veterans’ groups, sports clubs, councils and schools to consider applying for funding for repairs and maintenance projects on local war memorial sites.
Mr O’Dea said grants of up to $10,000 are now available under the NSW Community War Memorial Grant Fund.
“Community war memorials in Davidson are a lasting reminder of the sacrifice local servicemen and servicewomen made in defence of our country over more than a century,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Funding will be available to support vital repairs to plaques, honour boards and facades which commemorate NSW veterans who have served across many theatres of conflict since the Boer War,” Mr O’Dea said.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Victor Dominello said the fund was about ensuring NSW war memorials stand proud for future generations.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the ongoing maintenance of the thousands of local memorials across our state.
“These projects will take on even greater importance now the Centenary of Anzac commemorative period, 4 August 2014 to 11 November 2018, is underway,” he said.
The last round of grants saw 17 projects funded including: the recasting of a sandstone frame for the Holsworthy Army Barracks Memorial dedicated to 15 commandos killed in action in Afghanistan; restabilising the Kiama Memorial Arch; and new brick paving and seating for the Taree War Memorial Clock Tower.
The State War Memorials Committee considers applications for the repair or conservation of memorials commemorating Australia’s military heritage. The NSW RSL, the NSW Government Architect’s Office and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs are represented on the Committee.
To make an application please visit: http://veterans.nsw.gov.au/community-war-memorials-fund/ or contact the NSW Office of Veterans’ Affairs by phone on 9513 2028. Applications close on Friday, 3 October.
