Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding had been made available through the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme, which helps to care for and promote maritime heritage. 

The flag was donated to the museum by former resident Des Odgers, who served on HMAS Warrnambool in Timor at the time of the Japanese surrender in 1945. 

In a letter sent to the museum in 2012, Mr Odgers recalled that the flag came from an abandoned an abandoned Japanese compound that the sailors could see from their position in the harbour, on board the ship. 

A motor launch was sent to the compound to retrieve the flag. 

 Mr Odgers won the flag in a draw from a hat once  they were back on board the Warrnambool.

The flag was signed by other sailors, at least one an officer.  

It is considered to be one of the most significant items in the Kandos Museum collection. 

 “This funding will ensure that important maritime heritage of Kandos is available to the community now and for future generations,” Mr Coulton said.

Mr Coulton said more than $150,000 was provided to 31 organisations across Australia through the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme. 

“I congratulate Mid-Western Regional Council and wish them well in their important work,” Mr Coulton said.