Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has welcomed funding announcements from the 2024-25 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program for the Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated based in Scone.
The Program provides funding through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for projects and activities that commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s military personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations. In the New England, Scone will benefit from a $35,000 grant to deliver the large-scale mural project.
Mr Joyce said that the funds will provide Scone with economic activity and will serve as an opportunity to remember those that have fought for our country.
“The installation of a large-scale mural wall on the historic Bellman Hangar, at the Scone Memorial Airport will serve as a reminder to us all of the everyday men and women from Scone that believed in a country worth fighting for and did exactly that, risking everything to protect and serve our nation”, said Mr Joyce.
Mr Ross Pay, Chairman of the Hunter Fighter Collection Inc. said that this mural project has been fully funded by two grants:
- $10,000 from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities grant (via a donation from the Raine & Horne Foundation)
- $34,000 from the 2024–25 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program (DVA)
The artist, Sam Brooks from South Australia, will be working with the Incorporation to complete the project. Sam has an impressive track record, creating the centenary RAAF mural titled ‘Then. Now. Always’ on the water tank at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga and painted the 30-metre tall ‘Storytime Silos’ in Eudunda SA, both acclaimed public artworks.
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