WAR MEMORIAL RESTORATION GRANTS AVAILABLE

Gippsland MP Peter Hall is urging local communities to consider applying for funds to restore war memorials across the region.

Mr Hall said the grants program for restoring community war memorials is now open, with applications closing on 2 February 2007.

"Up to $7,000.00 is available under the program and it is money than can be put to very good use," Mr Hall said.

"The war memorials are an important feature of most towns and continue to provide an important symbol for our communities of the sacrifices made by local people to defend our way of life.

"The level of interest in ANZAC Day and other memorial days is quite inspiring and I would expect that many people will jump at the chance to restore and preserve their local memorials."

The funding can be provided to ex-service organisations, local councils, schools and community groups to preserve, restore and enhance local war memorials and honour rolls.
Mr Hall said copies of the Grants Program Guidelines and application form are available from his office at 190 Franklin Street Traralgon, telephone 51747066, with further information also available at www.veterans.vic.gov.au or by contacting Information Victoria on 1300 366 356.

"Preserving this part of our history, which is so relevant to many of our towns, is really important for current and future generations and I encourage groups to consider making an application," Mr Hall said.

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066