RESTORING COMMUNITY WAR MEMORIALS GRANTS PROGRAM OPEN

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, is inviting ex-service organisations, local councils, schools and community groups to make applications for funding to preserve, restore and enhance our local war memorials and honour rolls.

“The second round of the Restoring Community War Memorials Grants Program has opened which is a great opportunity for groups and organisations to apply for assistance in restoring our local war memorials,” said Dr Sykes.

“It is important we preserve our war memorials and honour rolls as a sign of respect to those who have served our country and sacrificed their lives in times of war and conflict, and in peacekeeping operations.”

“The Program provides up to $7,000.00 of funding to assist groups and organisations in their preservation and restoration of war memorials and honour rolls, and I encourage local groups and organisations to apply,” Dr Sykes continued.

“In round one of the Program a number of groups in the Benalla Electorate were successful in obtaining funding. The Tatong Primary School received $600 for their WWI Enlistment Memorial, the Shire of Strathbogie received $2,800.00 to restore the Nagambie War Memorial, the Mansfield RSL received $7,000.00 for the Mansfield Memorial and the Bright RSL received $6,960.00 to restore the Bright War Memorial.”

Application guidelines and forms can be obtained at www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au or by contacting 1300 366 356. Alternatively, please contact Member for Benalla Bill Sykes’ Electorate Office on 5762 2100. Applications close on Friday 27 January 2006.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989