Two North Coast communities are set to get lasting tributes to their servicemen and women, after federal grants totalling more than $71,000 landed for commemorative projects in Gloucester and Old Bar.
The funding comes through the Albanese Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, which this year distributed $2.2 million across 92 community-led projects nationwide.
In Gloucester, the local RSL Sub-Branch has been awarded $5,050 to create a double-sided outdoor memorial plaque in Gloucester Memorial Park, featuring a brief history and photographs of those who served.
The bigger win is at Old Bar, where the RSL of Australia (NSW Branch) has received $66,034.55 to construct a permanent memorial honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian military personnel.
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the Old Bar result had been a long time coming.
“I am particularly ecstatic about the funding for a permanent memorial at Old Bar. The energetic sub-branch has done a lot of hard work raising their own funds to make this happen.”
“The funding from the Australian Government is recognition of this work. I can’t wait to join the sub-branch and the community at the new permanent memorial.”
Penfold said the two grants reflected the deep tradition of service across the Lyne electorate.
“Across Lyne, we have a proud history of service, so I congratulate Gloucester Sub-Branch of the RSL of Australia and RSL of Australia (NSW Branch) on their successful applications and thank them for the work they do in our community.”
She said commemorative grants served a purpose beyond bricks and plaques.
“These grants help local communities protect that history and ensure the sacrifice of those who served is remembered with respect and gratitude.”
“They support practical local projects that keep our wartime heritage alive, whether through memorials, displays, restoration works, plaques, signs, education or other commemorative activities.”
“They also give communities a practical way to honour those who served and to pass that history on to younger generations.”
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said the program connected communities of all sizes to their wartime history.
“The projects we are funding today help local communities large and small to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans for generations to come.”
“Just as importantly, they bring people of all ages together to reflect on the impact of war and conflict on their local community.”
“Ensuring the stories behind the names of those that served our nation are told in our local communities is an important way in which we ensure we put into practice the words ‘Lest we forget’.”
Penfold said she was looking forward to seeing both projects take shape.
“I look forward to seeing these projects delivered and the benefits they will bring to our local communities.”
The Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program is administered through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and supports projects that commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s military personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
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