FEDERAL Government funding has enabled the Cook Shire Council to install Coen’s first community war memorial.
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said around $4,300 in funding was provided through the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Programme to install the memorial and purchase a portable flagpole.
“I congratulate the Cook Shire Council on their efforts to recognise the invaluable contribution of Australian servicemen and women past and present, and to ensure the next generation appreciates our diggers’ service and sacrifice,” said Mr Entsch.
“Coen didn’t have a war memorial until just before ANZAC Day this year, and so I’m pleased that the Federal Government was able to provide the funding to install one at the town’s Heritage House.
“We saw quite a big turnout at the ANZAC Centenary celebrations in April, after the new memorial site was completed, which I hope that will continue in future years,” he said.
The funding also helped the Council to purchase a portable flag pole – an option that will allow the pole to be moved and stored in the event of high winds.
The Cook Shire Council is one of 68 funding recipients from the latest round of Saluting Their Service grants – a Federal Government initiative that helps Australian community and ex-service organisations in a range of activities including restoring wartime memorabilia, establishing commemorative plaques, and upgrading local rolls of honour.
Local community and ex-service organisations interested in applying for future grant funding rounds should visit www.dva.gov.au/grants, or call 1800 555 254.