The Liberal and Nationals have pledged that if they are returned to Government, they will continue to honour our veterans through the protection and maintenance of local war memorials and cenotaphs.
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 year, this proud symbol of veteran sacrifice and service has been defaced three times. The level of disrespect and contempt that shows for those who have served our country cannot be underestimated. Steps must be taken to prevent this from continuing to occur and to preserve these important sites. That’s why I am making this pledge today that an elected Liberals and Nationals Government will fund the $7,500 worth of repairs and lighting upgrades for the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph, to preserve it now and for future generations.”
President of the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch Mr Denis Lane said he welcomed Pat’s continued commitment to the local veteran community and stressed the sanctity of sites like the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph for local veterans and their families.
“Seeing our beloved monument continually defaced 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. We desperately need to restore the site to its former glory in tribute to their sacrifices and install the right level of lighting and fencing to deter further vandalism once it has been fixed. This funding will also go towards powering a PA system to be used for commemoration days.
“Pat has always worked alongside us to protect the rights of veterans and their families, so we knew that he would support us in getting these repairs and upgrades completed. I’d like to thank him for his continued commitment to Nambucca Heads veteran community.”
