Maintaining our war memorials is incredibly important, and that will now be a little easier for the Hillgrove Progress Association (HPA), with Nationals Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan delivering funding to preserve the village’s tribute to service and sacrifice.
The HPA received a grant from the NSW Community War Memorials’ Fund to landscape and enhance the site, which was built in 1999.
“Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important commemorations, with communities across the country coming together to pay their respects to our servicemen and women,” Mr Moylan said.
“It is vital these monuments and sites are maintained so we can continue to honour those who have served our country, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“Hillgrove is no different, with around 70 people coming together each year for their annual Anzac Day service.
“People from the local community volunteer to maintain the memorial, so it is fantastic to deliver funding to make the job easier for them.”
Hillgrove Progress Association committee member Trish Sewell is one of those volunteers who maintains the memorial and said the funding will go a long way towards removing the elements that make access difficult.
“Maintenance is the biggest challenge; at the moment it is myself and another lady who come before Anzac Day to tidy up, and it is difficult,” she said.
“The funding will go towards beautifying the war memorial and making it easier to look after. It will benefit the wider community and surrounding farming families who come from far and wide for our service. We get a fabulous turnout, and it has been happening for years.
“We are grateful for the grant from the NSW Community War Memorials’ Fund so we can continue to commemorate at a well-maintained site.”
