The historical Tambar Springs cenotaph will become the focus of $3,752 of funding in its centenary year.
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The money has been granted to Gunnedah Shire Council through the Armistice Centenary Grants Program and will fund the upgrade of the grounds and a Remembrance Day service.
Construction of the cenotaph was completed in December 1918 and the cenotaph was then dedicated on January 31, 1919. It was one of the first to be constructed in Australia.
Tambar Springs RSL member Carol Lees said the funding announcement was good news.
“Any improvement in maintenance and upkeep around this magnificent monument is always welcome,” she said.
“It’s a big thing that the young people nowadays are very much aware of these monuments and what they mean, which has to keep going. They’re not glorifying war – they’re in appreciation of what people have given for our freedom.”
The application for funding was supported by the Tambar Springs Progress Association, including member Robyn Styles who said “if need be, the progress association will assist with any additional costs to the venture”.
The Anzac Working Group submitted the application and signed off on grants paperwork on Tuesday.
They’re not glorifying war – they’re in appreciation of what people have given for our freedom.
- Carol Lees, Tambar Springs RSL
Working Group member Owen Hasler said the group has started planning the content for historical signs and a plaque, which will be installed in the grounds of the cenotaph. Member Ron McLean is responsible for the information to be displayed on the signs and plaque and a booklet, which will be printed in time for the memorial service on November 11. This will be the shire’s main Remembrance Day event.
“We’ll be having the work commence as soon as we receive the funding,” Mr Hasler said.
He said funds will also be used to hire two buses to transport the Gunnedah Shire Band and veterans and guests to the service, which will be followed by a lunch.
The Working Group’s next meeting is in August, with plans to sign-off the content of the signs and plaque. A plaque commemorating the Armistice will be installed at the Gunnedah cenotaph on November 10.