FUNDING AVAILABLE TO REPAIR AND RESTORE LOCAL WAR MEMORIALS

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP is encouraging our region’s RSL sub-branches and local councils to assess the condition of local war memorials and consider applying for funding to make improvements from the State Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.

Mr Ward has secured a number of grants to assist local RSL Sub Branches with projects including restorations.

"I have previously secured a grant for the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch. About 100 people attended the unveiling of the Gordon Grellman Wall of Remembrance, built next to Kiama's War Memorial Arch in Terralong Street. A Kiama identity, Minnamurra postmaster Gordon Grellman was a Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub Branch member and World War II pilot.

"Built by Kiama Municipal Council, the wall was designed by renowned architect and former member of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub Branch, Harry Sprintz OAM. I also secured funding from the State Government to help upgrade and save the Kiama Memorial Arch.

“On ANZAC Day, locals gather at cenotaphs, public halls and monuments to pay respect, commemorate and honour the legacy of our Aussie diggers,” he said.

“Many of these memorials were built in the years following the First World War.

"Last weekend, I was honoured to attend the book launch by local author Robyn Florence on the amazing history and to celebrate the Centenary of the Gerringong Soldiers Memorial Hall.

“In preparation for these milestones, and future commemorative events, grants of up to $10,000 can be accessed to support costly preservation and maintenance works.

“It is also vitally important we protect our local war memorials so that communities big and small have a central place to gather and reflect on the lives of those who gave the
ultimate sacrifice.

“If a project is directly related to war memorial chances are this program will fund it including projects like conservation assessments, honour roll restoration, and repairs to
war memorial structures and halls.

“For our smaller communities war memorials tend to be public halls and so this is also an opportunity to repair and improve access at these important facilities.

“I encourage our local RSL sub branch committees from Albion Park to Nowra who believe their local memorials require repairs or restoration to apply for this latest round of
funding," Mr Ward concluded.

Applications for the Community War Memorials Fund is open and will close at 5pm on Monday, 13th February 2023.
To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials Register.
For information about the program and to apply, please visit the website at: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/grants.