Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan joined Nambucca Heads RSL Sub Branch President Denis Lane, Treasurer Gayle Keenan, Secretary Brad D’Elboux and Trustee John Kent OAM to celebrate their successful application for funding under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

The Sub Branch was awarded $8,000 to cover the cost of repairs resulting from recent vandalism and general wear and tear on the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph, as well as lighting and fencing upgrades to protect the monument from future acts of damage.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan acknowledged the importance of these physical symbols of respect and remembrance of those that have served and continue to serve our country and provide Australians with the freedoms we enjoy today.

“War memorials and cenotaphs are more than just bricks and mortar, they are the physical memory of our local heroes and a place to reflect and appreciate how far we have come as a nation as a result of their sacrifices,” Mr Conaghan said.

“Unfortunately, we have seen in recent years a disgusting disregard for our veterans and their families through the rise of vandalism of monuments like the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph.

“Over the past couple of years, this proud symbol of veteran sacrifice and service has been defaced multiple times. The level of disrespect and contempt that shows for those who have served our country cannot be underestimated. To now see that the much needed and much deserved funding has been awarded that will cover the necessary work for repairs and lighting upgrades is a fantastic result, and a great step towards its preservation for future generations.”

President of the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch Mr Denis Lane said that the funding had been a long time coming, and thanked Pat for his continued assistance in seeing the project finally acknowledged.

“Seeing our beloved monument continually attacked has been a hard pill for our local veteran community to swallow,” Mr Lane said.

“Veterans and their families deserve to be remembered, respected and cared for. And restoring the cenotaph site to its former glory in tribute to their sacrifices is a great place to start! This funding will also go towards powering a PA system to be used for commemoration days.

“Pat originally pledged the repairs as an election commitment, so we knew that he would support our application into the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program on behalf of the Nambucca Valley veteran community. We can’t wait to see the works finally completed!”

ENDS