$125k for War Memorial Repairs

Dave and Angela McCann, Mayor Cr John Seymour, Geoff Glass, Bill Levy and Steph Cooke MP at the Coolamon Cenotaph.

Groups across the Cootamundra electorate have the opportunity to share in $125,000 to conserve the region’s tributes to servicemen and servicewomen with round two of the Community War Memorials Fund opening on Remembrance Day.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects that repair, protect and conserve existing war memorials throughout NSW.

“War Memorials are found in every town, village and hamlet across the seat of small communities. They are a visible sign of the service, sacrifice, love and loss experienced by the communities of the Cootamundra electorate in times of war and peace,” Ms Cooke said.

“This round of funding is a chance to help preserve these places of pride for future generations, to ensure they have a place to gather and reflect. I encourage all local groups to apply for this financial support for conservation projects, which could be large scale or involve heritage work.”

Funding is open for projects such as repairs to war memorial halls, conservation assessments, environmental or arborist advice, honour roll repair, or cleaning.

Organisations including memorial trusts, veteran groups and local councils can apply.

“Groups are advised to seek conservation advice before planning physical memorial work, unless the application is to engage a qualified specialist,” Ms Cooke said.

“Many of these sites are more than a century old, and they are the stand ins for the graves of Australians scattered across the globe, whether it be the fertile fields of Flanders or the remote jungles of Sandakan. They deserve to be maintained to the highest standard to recognise local veterans.”

It’s the second instalment of the annual program with $125,000 distributed in round one earlier this year.

Some of the projects which have received funding from previous rounds include the Woodstock Soldiers Memorial Hall Honour Roll, which received $2,040 to rewire lighting, replace poppy light displays and install new batten holders and wall sconces, the Coolamon Cenotaph, which was awarded $3000 for cleaning and repairs, and $3080 for the Eurongilly War Memorial to clean and restore the plaques, restore the pillars and powder coat the gates at the Memorial.

Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families.

“War memorials are a place for NSW communities to commemorate their service history, including past and present defence personnel and their families,” Mr Lee said.

“The NSW Government is proud to support projects that pay tribute to our veterans and ensure our strong Anzac legacy is taught for generations to come.”

Online applications are open until 5pm on 11 February 2021.

More information can be found at: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund

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