Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Woolbrook Hall and Park Committee and Kootingal and District Preschool today have received an Australian Government grant to honour the service and sacrifice of local servicemen and women.

Mr Joyce said the Woolbrook Hall and Park Committee has received two grants of $4,000 and $1,500 to refurbish and update two honour rolls and install an outdoor honour roll at Woolbrook AIF Hall as well as install a new flagpole at the hall respectively, while the Kootingal and District Preschool has received $495 to purchase a new flagpole.

The grants are part of the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service grants program to help with commemorating the contributions of local service people.

“This project will honour the local men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in defence of our nation,” Mr Joyce said.

“The commitment of organisations like the Woolbrook Hall and Park Committee and the Kootingal and District Preschool ensure our community can preserve and honour our local history.

“The Saluting Their Service Community Commemorative Grants program provides up to $4,000 for an individual project and is a rolling grants program, so applications are accepted at any time.”

Local community organisations interested in applying for funding under the Saluting Their Service grants program should contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Commemorative Grants team on 1800 026 185 or email commemorativegrants@dva.gov.au.

(ENDS)