Goomeri’s war history will be preserved with a $43,950 grant to build a commemorative statue, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.
Mr O’Brien said the Goomeri chapter of the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch would receive funding through the Morrison Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program to construct a statue of a Second World War digger next to the Memorial Clock.
“The statue commemorates service personnel from Goomeri and the surrounding districts, and will be a strong visual reminder of their service,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This grant will ensure the people of Wide Bay continue to remember and acknowledge the sacrifices made by Australian service-men and women during wartime, particularly the younger generation.”
More than $1 million in funding was provided through this round of the Saluting Their Service commemorative grants program.
Mr O’Brien congratulated the Goomeri Branch and the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch for their work in ensuring the legacy of Australia’s war heroes is remembered, and also for their advocacy for veterans.
Mr O’Brien also presented the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch with a special commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The medallions were produced to mark the anniversary on 15 August, and are now available to every living Second World War veteran, in acknowledgement of their service.
“Almost one million Australians served in the Second World War, and Wide Bay was well-representing among them with local people taking significant roles in protecting our country,” Mr O’Brien said.
“These medallions are an acknowledgement of this remarkable generation of Australians who served our nation during the Second World War, and ensures the people of Wide Bay can show their gratitude to those who have served from our region.”
Second World War veterans, or their families on their behalf, can apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion or, for those without internet access, by phone on 02 6191 8217 during business hours.
For more information on the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program visit the Community Grants Hub (www.communitygrants.gov.au