Work to preserve Dubbo’s military history has a received a boost thanks to the NSW Government’s $125,000 Community War Memorials Fund.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Dubbo Public School has received $2000 to rejuvenate the Dubbo District School Great War Honour Roll.
“The Dubbo region has a proud military history, and it’s absolutely vital that future generations understand the sacrifice previous generations have made to make our country what it is today,” Mr Saunders said.
“The Dubbo District School Great War Honour Roll is not only a key piece of our history, but also a tribute to those who have served.
“It’s vital we make sure the Honour Roll is maintained in a condition that is worthy of those sacrifices.”
Leslie Abrahams is a researcher with the Dubbo and District and Family History Society, and has a personal connection to the Honour Roll; it was commissioned by her second-cousin’s husband Dr Edmond Henry Burkitt, who himself served on the Western Front.
Mrs Abrahams said she is “very honoured” the school and the NSW Government are working together to preserve the Honour Roll.
“These men all served so diligently for the Australia that they knew, to keep the peace, and to honour the freedoms that we have in Australia,” she said.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said 39 applications were received under Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund 2022/23.
“This funding is vital in helping community groups maintain, restore and repair war memorials across NSW as they commemorate the sacrifice of service men and women,” Mr Elliott said.
“For more than 100 years, war memorials have been bringing local communities together to remember and reflect the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
Round 2 of the Community War Memorials Fund will open on Remembrance Day, 11 November, 2022 and close on 13 February 2023.
For more information, visit: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/