Seven new memorial plaques will be established near the World War I cenotaph in Armidale’s Central Park.
The first plaque will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on August 18 1966 and will be unveiled next month.
The $15,000 project has been awarded to the Armidale RSL Sub Branch through the Armidale Regional Council’s Stronger Communities Fund community grants program.
Armidale RSL Sub Branch president Max Tavener said council was quick to assist with their project.
“What we’re trying to do here is return the fountain to its original heritage state,” he said.
“When i spoke with council’s administrator Ian Tiley, he was on board with the project straight away. “
The NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund of $10 million to council allows for $1 million to be offered in grants to not-for- profit community organisation of up to $50,000.
Armidale Regional Council Administrator Dr Ian Tiley said the memorial plaques built on the strong legacy in the region of commemorating past military service and sacrifice.
“The Armidale RSL Sub Branch has been the custodians of the region’s war time legacy,” said Dr Tiley.
“The seven new plaques will significantly add to the memorial in Central Park and allow for further commemoration of our servicemen and women in the several theaters of war since the Great War of 1914-18.”
There is still plenty of time for incorporated not-for- profit community organisations to apply for up to $50,000 in funding through the Stronger Communities Fund Community Grants Program which closes on September 30.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said there was no better time for local community organisations to apply for funding.
“The upgrading of the cenotaph is one of many small projects around the region that don’t quite fit into other funding buckets, and so until now have been neglected,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Stronger Communities Fund opens a brief window of opportunity to make those projects happen.
“I urge everyone with an idea for maintaining our community infrastructure, or building new infrastructure, to review the criteria and apply for funding if their project fits.”
Grant applications and selection criteria are available on council’s website at www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au or by contacting customer service on 1300 136 833.
