COOKTOWN’S Anzac Park will once again feature a WWI memorial to be proud of with a project to replace the old archway receiving more than $34,000 funding through the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch congratulated the Cooktown RSL Sub-Branch for initiating the project, which came about after the previous 62-year-old archway had to be cordoned off as it was in danger of collapsing.
“Cooktown’s Anzac Park is a beautiful spot featuring several commemorative plaques and memorials but it hasn’t been complete since the old archway became dilapidated and frankly – dangerous,” Mr Entsch said.
“The new archway will feature a black granite façade, steel columns, military crest and a base made from local stones, with a plaque listing the names of the soldiers who left Cooktown to fight in WW1.
“It will be the first in Australia to feature a 61cm high bronze WWI digger statue and rising sun that was designed and created specifically for the Centenary.
“This is a very impressive design and a fitting tribute to those who left their loved ones and fought in WWI to preserve the way of life that we appreciate so greatly today.”
The project is due to be completed in time for Cooktown’s Anzac Commemorations in April 2015. In their comments to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in support of the RSL’s application, the Leichhardt ACLG Committee said the archway would form a special focus for the community’s commemorative activities.
The Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program is a key element in the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary program, through which funding of up to $125,000 is available for each Federal MP to support projects in their electorate commemorating the First World War.
In Leichhardt, the funding has been divided into two rounds, with two applications receiving funding in Round 1. In addition to Cooktown’s Anzac Arch, the other successful grant was more than $9000 for the Cairns Historical Society’s current exhibition, In Times of War FNQ Remembers World War I, a revealing exhibition at the Tanks Arts Centre which Mr Entsch has urged all locals and visitors to experience.
Approximately $80,000 is available for successful Round 2 applications and any organisation interested in applying can download guidelines and an application form by clicking on the links below:
Application Form
Guidelines
Applications to Mr Entsch’s office must be received by 4pm on 30 April, either in hard copy (PO Box 14, Bungalow, 4870 or at 102 Grafton St, Cairns) or via email to warren.entsch.mp@aph.gov.au
If you have a question, please contact Heather at Mr Entsch’s office on 4051 2220.