War memorial precincts are a focus for Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
It’s a familiar sight — an artillery cannon on display, a cenotaph, an honour roll for the dead (engraved or wooden).
War memorials can be found in towns and cities across the country and serve as a visual link to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
To maintain memorials means funding is needed.
In NSW, the government is now accepting applications for funding war memorial work with $250,000 available for the Community War Memorial Fund grant program: (see links at the bottom).
Applications will close on June 25.
MAJOR CHANGE
There has been a big change to the process, the government points out – instead of several funding rounds, there is now just one round although the maximum amount for each individual grant has risen to $15,000.
A new category has been added: for works to war memorial precincts as well as the existing ones for assessments and physical work.
NSW Veterans Minister David Harris says war memorials “are the cornerstones of commemoration … that honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans”.
“I want to encourage all community groups to apply as it is essential that we protect our local war memorials to ensure future generations continue to remember the efforts of our Diggers and the sacrifices made during conflict as well as peacekeeping missions,” he says.
CASE IN POINT
One funding recipient from a previous round was the Windsor and District RSL sub-Branch who received $6700 to conserve two honour rolls at the Colo War Memorial.
Windsor RSL sub-Branch vice-president Colin Richards says the grant allowed them to arrange heritage cleaning and restoration of the plaques.
“A recent Anzac service held at the memorial, with about 50 locals in attendance, was well received. Many thanked the sub-branch for taking the time to care for and help restore the memorial,” he says.
“For the first time in a long time, we can clearly read the names of those veterans who served in the Second World War.
“Both the First and Second World War plaques are now clean and preserved for the benefit of local families and community members to remember.”
To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials To register, visit www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au.
Click here to learn more or to apply for funding.
