Local wartime history will be further preserved in Dunedoo, with the Dunedoo Historical Museum Incorporated receiving $6,500 in funding through the Australian Government’s Saluting their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said this funding ensures the ongoing recognition of our Australian servicemen and women.
“It’s important that the service and sacrifice of our local veterans is recognised and remembered through these community initiatives,” Mr Coulton said.
“This $6,500 for Dunedoo Historical Museum will enable a new, updated version of Anne Watts’ book Lest We Forget – The Servicemen and Women of the Dunedoo District to be published.
“This book is an invaluable historical resource for the Dunedoo district, and a revised version will help preserve this history for local school children and generations to come.”
Dunedoo Historical Museum Project Officer Sharon Nott said Anne Watts’ book was originally published in 2000 when the internet was still relatively new, and this funding will provide an opportunity to include more content.
“The original book didn’t include soldiers from the Vietnam War because it was still raw at the time, so this new version will include those details, as well as other resources to help bring it alive,” Ms Nott said.
“The Dunedoo Historical Museum is the only museum in the Warrumbungle Shire, and this book will also compliment our military and war memorabilia and help young people learn about and appreciate their family’s involvement in war.
“If anyone in the Dunedoo district has war stories they’d like to share for inclusion in the book, they’re welcome to send me an email at nottsharon@hotmail.com.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said communities across Australia are proud of their military history, our local veterans who have served our nation and their families who have supported them.
“Our local communities recognise the importance of commemorating and honouring the contribution of our servicemen and women and all that they have done for our nation,” Minister Gee said.
“Whether it be restoring the HMAS Diamantina in Queensland, installing a flag pole in a school’s Anzac memorial garden or helping our local museums display wartime memorabilia, this funding will help ensure that our local communities and our nation never forgets the men and women who have served Australia.
“It’s encouraging to see so many applications for funding in this round for such a wide range of projects, both big and small.”
For further information on the next round of STS grants visit the Community Grants Hub website.