Local MP Darren Chester has announced more than $137,000 from the Federal Government to repair and restore Bairnsdale’s heritage-listed cenotaph.
Mr Chester, who is also the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, said the money would help fund a major refurbishment of the war memorial, which stands in the centre median strip of the Princes Highway near Service Street.
“The cenotaph was unveiled in 1922 to remember local people who lost their lives during the Great War,” Mr Chester said. “Plaques to commemorate those who died during subsequent conflicts were added over the decades.”
A casket containing parchments listing the names of 900 local men who served and the names of 171 others and a nurse who died during the First World War was placed inside the monument during its construction. The memorial is included on the Heritage Council of Victoria’s heritage register.
Mr Chester said the money for the third stage of the war memorial’s restoration had been secured through the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program. East Gippsland Shire Council is funding the first two stages, allocating $228,000 in its 2019-20 budget to the project.
“Unfortunately, the cenotaph is in poor condition due to its age and past attempts to repair the structure. Pieces of stone have fallen away and there are also a number of significant cracks that hint at further structural issues,” Mr Chester said.
“Australia has a proud history of remembering those who have served our nation, their families and those who wear the military uniform today.
“When the restoration project is finished, Bairnsdale’s cenotaph will continue to be a fitting place to remember and honour those locals who served our country, and serve as the focus for local commemorative events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day for years to come.”
Organisations can now apply for funding through the next round of the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program. Applications close on March 31. For details, visit https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/saluting-their-service-cgp
