War memorials across NSW in line for a facelift after securing conservations funding

Nineteen war memorials across NSW will soon be able to undergo important conservation work and repairs including several in the Riverina and across southern NSW.

The NSW Government has dished out $150,000 through the latest round of the Community War Memorials Fund with Lake Cargellico, Cootamundra, Gundagai, Narooma and Bombala all included on the list.

Twenty-eight applications from 23 local government areas were received for assessment during this round.

“It is wonderful to announce this funding, which will be used for important projects around the state,” said Minister for Veterans, David Harris.

“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.”

According to the NSW War Memorials Register, there are more than 3500 recorded sites across the state, bearing the names of more than 210,000 veterans.

Mr Harris said it was important for locals to keep an eye on their memorials and to ensure they remained in good condition.

“A total of $150,496.65 was awarded to councils, RSL sub-Branches and community groups, with grants ranging from $2000 to $15,000 to fund conservation projects in 13 state electorates in both metropolitan and regional areas,” he said.

“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.”

The picturesque Lake Cargelligo War Memorial received one of the largest grants – $15,000 for restoration work including cleaning of stonework, repairing cracks, addressing staining and flaking lettering, and repointing joints.

The historic Muttama Memorial Hall between Cootamundra and Gundagai will receive $10,000 for conservation work including lining internal walls and enclosing heritage ovens.

Opened in May 1925, the hall has undergone a major overhaul over the past decade, already receiving more than $200,000 in grants to replace the floors and restore the wooden ANZAC Honour Board at the hall.

Nearby Gundagai will receive $9900 towards the Anzac Grove war memorial including repairs to the sandstone base and First World War marble honour rolls.

Flaking paint will be cleaned away and Second World War and Vietnam honour roll plaques will be removed and hand cleaned.

Further south, Bombala RSL sub-Branch was awarded $10,000 for a condition assessment for the Bombala War Memorial to identify conservation works.

“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,” explained Mr Vern Carmody, Honorary Secretary Bombala RSL sub-Branch.

“The memorial is a centrepiece of the dawn service and veterans’ march every Anzac Day, and also used for Remembrance Day activities.”

On the coast at Narooma $7245 will be used for overdue conservation works to the Narooma Soldiers’ Memorial School of Arts. Damaged windowsills and skirting will be repaired, moisture blocking preparations will be applied and an engineer will be engaged to report on ongoing moisture and stormwater issues.

Round 1 of the 2024/25 grant program is open and closes on 24 July.