The NSW Government has announced that 19 war memorials across the state are to receive NSW Government funding from Round 2 of the 2023/24 Community War Memorials Fund.
Funding of $150,000 has been made available through the program for this round, with grants being awarded to the successful applicants for projects that will support war memorials in NSW communities.
The successful recipients came from 16 Local Government Areas (LGA’s) with 13 electorates represented. The war memorials are located across the state, from Bombala in the far south, to Lake Cargelligo in the state’s west and McKees Hill in the far north.
Bombala RSL sub-Branch was awarded $10,000 for a condition assessment for the Bombala War Memorial to identify conservation works, and the Blackheath War Memorial Arch will also benefit from conservation work.
Twenty-eight applications from 23 LGA’s were received for assessment during this round, which closed on 11 February.
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Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:
“It is wonderful to announce this funding, which will be used for important projects around the state. Our communities are proud of their military history, and local war memorials are a vital part of our culture enabling us to reflect on over 100 years of our veterans’ service and sacrifice.
“A total of $150,496.65 was awarded to councils, RSL sub-Branches and community groups, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to fund conservation projects in 13 state electorates in both metropolitan and regional areas.”
“I encourage all communities to review the status of their local war memorials and to apply for funding for any restoration work that is needed.”
Mr Vern Carmody, Honorary Secretary Bombala RSL sub-Branch, said:
“Thank you to the NSW Government for this grant for the heritage assessment of our wonderful war memorial at Bombala. This will assist us to attain an assessment of the repairs and conservation required for this historical cenotaph that was erected for the citizens of Bombala in 1922.
“The memorial is a centrepiece of the Dawn Service and Veterans’ March every Anzac Day, and also used for Remembrance Day activities. Bombala RSL sub-Branch would also like to thank the staff of the Snowy-Monaro Regional Council who assisted us in the preparation of the grant application.”
Dr Rosemary Dillon, CEO Blue Mountains City Council, said:
“Local war memorials are central features of our towns and villages, and they are precious to us all. They pay respect to those who put their country and their fellow service men and women before them. They are an ode to those who fought so we can have the freedoms we take for granted today.
“Erected around 1929, the Blackheath War Memorial contains 76 names of local men who served overseas in the First World War, including six who died on active service. This funding will go towards restoration works at Blackheath War Memorial, which will help with the protection and conservation of the memorial for years to come.”
