The 2020 commemoration of Anzac Day may have been different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the local member said that's even more reason for communities to ensure their war memorials are in great condition.
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Member for the Dubbo electorate, Dugald Saunders, is encouraging communities across the region to apply for funding grants of up to $10,000 to restore and protect war memorials.
Mr Saunders said the Community War Memorials Fund grants will help protect, conserve and repair war memorials.
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"Funds can be requested for specialist heritage advice or physical conservation work on halls, honour rolls, avenues of trees and stone monuments," he said.
"Our war memorials give us a place to reflect and pay our respects to those brave soldiers who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.
"Given the situation this year I tried to ensure I got to each of the memorials in our electorate prior to Anzac Day to pay quiet homage to the people from across the region who have sacrificed themselves for our safety and prosperity."
Acting Minister for Veterans, Geoff Lee, said public commemorations at community war memorials didn't happen on Anzac Day this year because of COVID-19 but it only highlighted their importance.
"A lot of people missed the special connection you get from attending your local war memorial with your community on Anzac Day," he said.
"That just reinforces the need to make sure these precious monuments are protected not just for this generation but for many more to come."
- Applications close July 27, 2020. For more information visit veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/
