Grants available to restore Hawkesbury War Memorials

We’ve just commemorated ANZAC Day and paid tribute to our servicemen and women, now we have an opportunity to restore and conserve our War Memorials.

President of the RSL Windsor sub-branch Mr Geoffrey Brand is eager to apply for one of the grants of up to $10,000 for conservation work on war memorials.

“We have plans to build a new memorial on McQuade Park,”Mr Brand said.

“As we get the opportunity, we endeavour to make use of whatever grants that are available to update, repair and restore all of our memorials.”

The war memorials under the care of the RSL Windsor sub-branch are under the domain of Council, which means they need to wait for Council to approve their plan.

A temporary memorial was placed down near the lake in McQuade Park, which is where it is hoped the new memorial will be erected once approval has been granted.

“Once it is approved, we will be calling for tenders to have it constructed,” Mr Brand said.

Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston MP is urging community members to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for conservation work on war memorials.

“Each time you visit your local war memorial, I encourage you to consider how it could be protected, repaired or conserved for future generations,” Ms Preston said.

“Our region is so proud of those who served to make our communities the vibrant places they are today.

“Let’s continue to honour them with a tribute that’s reflective of their service and sacrifice.”

Conservation assessments, honour roll repair, environmental advice, cleaning and repairs to war memorial halls are all eligible projects for the grants.

Memorial trusts, veteran groups and local councils are among those organisations able to apply.

Minister for Veterans, Geoff Lee MP, said maintaining the state’s 3,200 war memorials is key to the NSW Government Veteran Strategy.

“These spaces reflect our diverse veteran community and unite us across generations, Mr Lee said.

“Veterans have told us recognition of service is important to them.”

Applications for the Community War Memorials Fund close on July 26.

Visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund to apply.

• Topics:

• ANZAC Day
• History
• Grant / Funding