Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans’ Affairs Tony Robinson today presented the City of Greater Bendigo today with a grant of $10,000 to restore the Brassey Square War Memorial at the Eaglehawk Town Hall.
Mr Robinson said the funding was provided through the Victorian Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials Grants Program.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to honouring our veterans’ community by preserving their heritage so their legacy is never forgotten,” Mr Robinson said.
“There are more than 1100 war memorials in Victoria’s suburbs and towns, marking the courage and spirit of local servicemen and women.
“The Restoring Community War Memorials Grants Program provides funding for local people to get involved in upgrading commemorative sites to ensure our memorials remain places of local respect and pride into the future.”
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan welcomed the grant, saying it will be used to improve access to the Brassey Square memorial for elderly and disabled members of the community.
“The Brassey Square War Memorial is a lasting expression of our community’s enduring respect for those who served and who sacrificed so much, often in distant parts of the world,” Ms Allan said.
“Restoring our war memorial shows our commitment to honouring Bendigo locals who served, and are currently serving, in Australia’s defence forces, so their courage and sacrifices will always be remembered,” she said.
The Brassey Square Memorial restoration project is one of 45 receiving funding this year under the Victorian Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials grants program.
So far, more than 300 memorials across Victoria have been restored to their original glory.
Under the program, Victorian ex-service organisations, local government, school or community groups can apply for up to $10,000 to restore or enhance local war memorials.