MEMBER for New England Barnaby Joyce said more than $76,000 has been made available by the Coalition Government to support 13 local projects commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australians during the First World War.
“The Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program supports the New England Electorate through funding for projects that preserve the stories of local servicemen and women for generations to come,” Mr Joyce said.
“These grants will complement the wider series of commemorative activities that have been developed throughout our electorate,” he said.
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson said that the Centenary of Anzac will mark a Century of Service, encompassing all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in which Australians have been involved.
“It will be the most significant period of commemoration in our nation’s history and the Abbott Government is committed to providing opportunities for all Australians to participate.
“Across the country $125,000 has been made available to each Federal electorate for community and ex-service groups to spend on commemorative programs,” Mr Joyce said.
“I would like to thank the members of the Electorate Committee who have assisted me in developing an approach for commemorating the Anzac Centenary in New England Electorate. Their hard work has made these activities, through the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Programme, a reality.”
The Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program is a key element of the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary program, more information is available at www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.
A variety of projects will be undertaken by community and ex-service groups in New England Electorate, these include:
Armidale Dumaresq Council
Compile and publish a book "Armidale and the First World War" to commemorate the men and women from the district who served in the First World War - $10,000.
Gunnedah Shire Council
Assist with holding a First World War exhibition at the Creative Arts Gallery, Gunnedah, from 17 April-24 May 2015, to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War -$5,000.
Tingha RSL Sub-Branch
Erect a bronze soldier statue and install a plaque in the Tingha Memorial Gardens to commemorate the men and women from the district who served in the First World War - $12,940.
Tamworth RSL Sub-Branch
Publish a dictionary of biography 'Not Just Names' on the 194 names of the local men listed on the Tamworth Gates Roll of Honour who died while serving in the First World War. $10,000.
Manilla Historical Society Inc
Assist with publishing 'Manilla's Men in Marble', a biography of the men from Manilla who served in the First World War. $7,598.
Tenterfield Shire Council
Purchase five touch screen computer monitors for use at locations in Tenterfield, Drake, Liston and Steinbrook for an interactive display of stories and memorabilia on the servicemen and women from the district who served during the First World War. $3,500.
Urbenville RSL Sub-Branch
On 25 April 2015, install a plaque by the honour roll at the Urbenville Anglican Church, and install a plinth and plaque in the garden at the Urbenville Public School to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War. $1,085.
Leech's Gully Progress Association
Restore the First World War Leech's Gully Honour Board. $4,100.
Mingoola Progress Association Inc.
Install a secure cabinet in the Mingoola Community Hall to house, preserve and display donated First World War memorabilia. $2,500.
Oracles of the Bush- Tenterfield United Organisation Inc.
Hold the Oracles Bush Poetry and Children's Art Competition from 27-29 March 2015 to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War. $5,000.
Steinbrook Progress Association Inc.
Erect a new Honour Board in the Steinbrook Community Hall to commemorate the men from the district who served in the First World War. $960.
Liston War Memorial Trust
Install a new flagpole and replace the fencing around the First World War Memorial in Liston. $3,220.
Walcha & District Historical Society
Assist with publishing "Walcha in The Great War 1914-1919", a book on the contribution of the men and women from the Walcha district who served during the First World War. $5,500.
Walcha RSL Sub-Branch
Restore the Walcha First World War Cenotaph, Memorial Park entrance gate columns and fence and reposition the 75mm German trench mortar gun. $5,000.
New England Total - $76,403.