Restoring respect for memorials

Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman and Greenvale MP Iwan Walters with students from Westmeadows Primary School. (supplied)

The Westmeadows War Memorial is set to be enhanced and restored to uphold the legacy of war heroes for generations to come.

As part of a state government initiative, $890,000 will be spent across 34 community groups to support the conservation of war memorials and honour rolls across Victoria.

Greenvale MP Iwan Walters said the funding will go a long way in honouring Hume veterans past and present.

“This grant will enhance the Westmeadows War Memorial, ensuring the legacy of the Anzacs who first trained in Broadmeadows and all veterans can be honoured by the Hume community for years to come,” he said.

Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman said the grants are an important mark of respect.

“We’re restoring and upgrading memorials and community building – to preserve the stories, history and value of Victorian veterans and their loved ones,” she said.

Across the state, the Woodend RSL Sub-Branch will receive funding to upgrade their facilities, while The Australian Catholic University will receive funding to create Victoria’s first-ever dedicated veteran students and family hub which will support veterans in their university studies.

The Restoring War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program is available to community groups to conserve and maintain war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour.

Fourteen organisations will receive funding under this program, including Ballan RSL Sub-Branch to restore the historic Barrys Reef WW1 Avenue of Honour.

Hume council mayor Naim Kurt said “Hume has a proud connection with the Anzac story, as many of the original Anzacs trained in Broadmeadows.

“This grant will enhance the Westmeadows war memorial so the Anzac legacy and all veterans can be honoured by our community for years to come”

Gerald Lynch