The latest round of the Community War Memorials Fund for 2023-2024 opened on Anzac Day with $125,000 in funding available for the protection and repair of war memorials.
Minister for Veterans, David Harris MP announced the opening of the program administered through the NSW Office of Veterans Affairs. The program supports the conservation, repair and protection of local memorials throughout NSW.
“Our war memorials are the cornerstones of commemoration on Anzac Day and other important days that honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans. I am pleased to announce that $125,000 is available in Round 1 of the program to ensure the upkeep of memorials throughout our communities.” Minister Harris said.
State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr MP said it is important to look after our local memorials as they are one of the ways to commemorate the sacrifices made by servicemen and women from our community.
Funding is available 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.
“Community groups can apply for up to $10,000, and it is important that we protect our local war memorials to ensure future generations continue to remember the efforts of our diggers and the sacrifices made during periods of war and conflict as well as peacekeeping missions.” Minister Harris added.
Recipients of funding from previous rounds of the program include the Greta RSL sub-Branch who were awarded $6,500 in funding to support the conservation of the Greta Memorial Cenotaph and the Branxton RSL sub-Branch who were awarded $10,000 in funding for the conservation of the Branxton RSL Memorial Hall.
“I encourage local community organisations including memorial trusts, veteran groups and local councils, to apply for funding to support the repair, protection and conservation of community war memorials listed on the NSW War Memorials Register,” said Mr Barr.
To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials Register. More information on the program and details for how to apply are available at https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/ Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund closes at 5:00pm on 25 July 2023.