FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has congratulated the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, which will receive funding to build memorials that will commemorate the service of local veterans.
Mr Entsch said the Council will receive a total of $54,540 under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service grants programme to install 15 war memorials in the region.
“Torres Strait Islanders played a profound role in WWII,” he said.
“Almost 900 able-bodied men left their communities for four years to help protect our country’s safety through their work with the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.
“It was a huge sacrifice, and one that went largely unrecognised by the broader Australian community until very recently.”
Mr Entsch said he’s pleased that the Council is building these war memorials across 15 islands in the Torres Strait.
“These memorials will ensure that future generations have an opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifices of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.”
The funding will go towards installing war memorials on Badu Island, Boigu Island, Dauan Island, Erub Island, Hammond Island, Iama Island, Mabuiag Island, Mer Island, Moa Island (at both Kubin Community and at St Pauls Community), Poruma Island, Saibai Island, Ugar Island ,Warraber Island and Yorke (Masig) Island.
The Torres Strait Island Regional Council is one of 68 funding recipients from the latest round of Saluting Their Service grants, with more than $178,000 being allocated to community and ex-service organisations around Australia.