Circular 20/22 Is there a war memorial in your community that requires repair or restoration?

Applications are open for the Community War Memorials Fund (CMWF), which provides grants of up to $10,000 for the conservation of local war memorials, including specialist heritage advice and physical work.

Last year, 17 RSL NSW sub-Branches were awarded CWMF grants to support the care and management of war memorials in their communities.

For more information and to find out how your sub-Branch can apply, click here. Applications close 25 July 2022.

Case study – Holbrook RSL sub-Branch

The Holbrook RSL sub-Branch has successfully applied for two CWMF grants for the Holbrook War Memorial.

As the memorial was approaching its centenary, the sub-Branch wanted to repair damage to the structure and restore its inscriptions, which had weathered over time. An initial CWMF grant enabled the sub-Branch to engage a licensed stonemason and heritage consultant to assess the memorial’s condition and identify necessary conservation work. The condition assessment report included a detailed physical description of the memorial and provided specialist heritage advice to guide the memorial’s short- and long-term management.

After having the condition of the memorial assessed, the sub-Branch then successfully applied for a second CWMF grant to have the recommended conservation work undertaken. The work included a gentle cleaning of the monument, re-gilding of all inscriptions, repointing the joints, and the application of biocide to help protect the memorial from further deterioration.

“The importance of our Cenotaph is evident every year when ANZAC Day, Long Tan Day and Remembrance Day roll around. People come together to remember and reflect on those no longer with us who served.  Some returned, but are not with us now, and there are some who did return, and are a living reminder of why the Cenotaph is important. The Cenotaph enables people to express themselves; by just being there or laying a tribute or wreath. No words are needed, it’s on the faces of those who remember. Lest We Forget.” Kim Turner, Holbrook RSL sub-Branch Secretary

To read more about the Holbrook memorial, visit.

Key links:

• Community War Memorials Fund (information and how to apply)
• Caring for our memorials guide (PDF)
• Community War Memorials Fund Program Guidelines 2022/23 (PDF)
• Examples of recent successful projects

If you have enquiries, please contact the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs at VeteransGrants@veterans.nsw.gov.au.