Maitland's war memorials are among 48 memorials across 25 local government areas receiving nearly $285,000 of Minns Labor Government funding for essential conservation to ensure the service and sacrifice of veterans continue to be honoured across NSW.
Today's announcement of the recipients of 28 Community War Memorial Fund grants comes as Maitland plays host to a NSW Government forum for veterans.
The grants program awards funding to councils, RSL sub-Branches and community organisations from Maitland to Mulwaree, Tweed Heads to Tamworth, Woy Woy to Walgett ensuring they will receive support to preserve and care for local war memorials for future generations.
Maitland City Council has been awarded $9,600 to undertake a condition assessment of four memorials across the LGA, to provide heritage guidance for future conservation works:
- Maitland & District War Memorial
- Woodberry-Tarro War Memorial
- Bolwarra First World War Memorial
- Maitland Boer War Memorial.
In the state's north, the Gravesend Community Group received $14,934 to assist with conservation work to the Gravesend War Memorial. This significant memorial, made by prominent stonemason M W Hardy, was dedicated in 1920 to commemorate those who served from the district in the First World War.
In the state's Riverina region, Junee RSL sub-Branch received $3,124 to assist with repairs to the stonework of the memorial cenotaph at the Junee War Memorial Clock Tower. The cenotaph honours the service and sacrifice of those from the community who served in the Second World War and later conflicts.
Applications for the 2027/28 Community War Memorials Fund will open in April 2027.
More information on the program and details on how to apply are available here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/grants/community-war-memorials-fund/
Veterans Forum
Hosted by the Minister for Veterans David Harris, the Veterans Forum brings together State government representatives, ex-service Organisations, veterans and their families in Maitland and the broader Hunter region.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families, and the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030 ensures veterans across NSW are able to receive support, no matter where in the state they live.
The forums are a key deliverable of the Strategy. They enable veterans to be connected to trusted information, and for the NSW Government to listen to the views of the local community. Today's event follows successful past forums in Coffs Harbour, Orange, Nowra and the Central Coast.
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"War memorials are a crucial part of our shared history that help tell the stories of those who served and provide future generations with a lasting connection to their community's military heritage.
"I am proud to be part of a Government that is investing nearly $285,000 to help preserve 48 war memorials across our state.
"This funding will support vital conservation works, ensuring these important memorials continue to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans and serve as places of remembrance for local communities.
"Congratulations to all the recipients this round and thank you for helping to honour the service of our veterans. I encourage councils, RSL sub-Branches and community organisations to apply for the 2027 Community War Memorials Fund to help protect and preserve these significant local landmarks.
"I am also proud to be part of a Government that is committed to the wellbeing of veterans across our state.
"Today is a great opportunity for Hunter-based veterans and their families to share their experiences and let us know how we can continue to improve our support for them."
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"The Hunter has a proud military history, and our memorials preserve the stories of generations of local men and women who answered the call to serve our country.
"I'm pleased Minister Harris is here in the Hunter, not only investing in that history, but listening directly to the veterans and families we owe so much to."
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
"Maitland is fortunate to have a number of extraordinary war memorials, honouring the local men and women who have served our nation since before Federation, as well as the district's long association with military training.
"People in our community are extremely proud of these memorials, and we owe those who served our nation, and their loved ones a debt of gratitude. The care and upkeep of these memorials is the least we can do to honour their sacrifice.
"This funding is incredibly welcome and will help protect these important memorials, ensuring Maitland's proud military history and the stories of those who served are preserved for future generations.
"I look forward to seeing the people of Maitland continue to gather and commemorate at these memorials, whether it is on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, the anniversaries of particular campaigns or on an ordinary Wednesday."
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
"Our local war memorials are an important part of our local history. They recognise the service and sacrifice of local men and women and help keep their stories alive for future generations.
"I'm pleased to see funding going towards the Gordon Williams Memorial and the First World War Memorial Gates at Aberdare Cemetery.
"These memorials are part of our local community and our shared history. Maintaining them is about making sure we continue to respect those."
Dungog RSL sub-Branch President Neil Tickle said:
"Thank you to the NSW Government for funding to support the conservation and preservation of the Christ Church Second World War Memorial Gate and the Dungog Memorial Arches.
"These memorials hold a special place in the Dungog community, recognising the service and sacrifice of local men and women who served our nation. The funding will help ensure these important landmarks are carefully conserved, protecting their heritage significance and maintaining their role as places of remembrance for future generations."
Maitland City Council Mayor Philip Penfold said:
"We welcome this funding from the NSW Government to support the future of Maitland's war memorials. Our memorials play an important role in our community, offering a place of remembrance for locals while honouring the service and sacrifices of those who served our nation.
"This funding will help Council engage specialists to assess the condition of each memorial and identify future conservation and maintenance needs, allowing us to protect these significant heritage assets for the future."
