The Afganistan Commando Memorial at Holsworthy Barracks will be completed thanks to a $21,050 grant from the NSW Government.
The grant was one of 21 made through the NSW Community War Memorial Fund.
The state member for Menai, Melanie Gibbons, welcomed the funding.
“The Commando Memorial stands as a constant reminder of the sacrifices of our local servicemen and women who have served in Afganistan in defence of our freedoms,” Ms Gibbons said.
“It’s important that we appropriately commemorate local diggers from our local area who have fought to protect the freedoms and privileges we now enjoy.
“After visiting this memorial with Minister Dominello earlier this year, I am delighted that this funding will help to complete this special place. The funding will enable Holsworthy Barracks to erect a flagpole as well as build a naming wall to hold cast bronze name plates,” Ms Gibbons said.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Victor Dominello said the NSW Community War Memorial Fund provided grants for veterans’ groups, sports clubs and councils to undertake maintenance work on local war memorial sites.
“These grants will enable vital repair and maintenance works on plaques, honour boards and memorial facades across our towns and suburbs. It is about making sure our war memorials continue to stand proud for future generations,” Mr Dominello said.
“The NSW Government is committed to maintaining our war memorials and these grants are a small but symbolic way of honouring those who have served proudly and died in Australian Defence Force operations.
“Through these 21 projects, restoration work will occur on memorials dedicated to our fallen soldiers across the ages – from First World War through to modern conflicts in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
“We’ve been able to support some fantastic local projects, including this one and I acknowledge Ms Gibbons strong advocacy on behalf of her local veterans’ community.’’
Grant applications to the Community War Memorials Fund are considered by a committee which includes representatives of the RSL NSW, NSW Government Architect’s Office and NSW Veterans’ Affairs (Office of Communities). For more information, please visit: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au.
