Applications for the Community War Memorials Fund 2025/26 are open, with $250,000 in funding available for the protection and conservation of war memorials.
The program supports the conservation, repair and protection of local memorials throughout NSW.
This year sees changes to enhance the grant program and deliver greater funding opportunities to organisations seeking to undertake conservation work on war memorials in local communities across NSW.
There is now one grant round per year with a total of $250,000 funding available. The maximum individual grant amount has also increased to $15,000.
Applications can also be submitted under a new category for works to war memorial precincts, as well as the existing categories for condition assessments and physical works.
Recipients of funding from previous rounds of the program include the Windsor and District RSL sub-Branch who received $6,700 for conservation works to two honour rolls at the Colo War Memorial dedicated to those from the local community who served in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial is a valuable part of the Colo community’s commemorative events honouring the service of its veterans, including Anzac Day services.
To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials Register: https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au.
More information on the program and details for how to apply are available here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund.
The 2025/2026 round of the Community War Memorials Fund closes on 25 June 2025.
Minister for Veterans David Harris MP said:
“I am pleased to announce that $250,000 is available to ensure the upkeep of memorials throughout our communities.
“Our war memorials are the cornerstones of commemoration on Anzac Day and other important days that honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
“I want to encourage all community groups to apply as it is essential that we protect our local war memorials to ensure future generations continue to remember the efforts of our diggers and the sacrifices made during periods of war and conflict as well as peacekeeping missions.”
State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP said:
“War Memorials play an important role in commemorating the sacrifices of the men and women who served.
“This fund plays an important role in continuing to protect and conserve War Memorials across Parramatta and the state."
Windsor and District RSL sub-Branch Vice President Colin Richards said:
“The Community War Memorials Fund grant enabled the Windsor and District RSL sub-Branch to arrange heritage cleaning and restoration of the plaques that had fallen into disrepair over many years.
“A recent Anzac service held at the memorial with approximately 50 locals in attendance, was well received and many thanked the sub-Branch for taking the time to care for and help restore the memorial.
“The Windsor and District sub-Branch appreciates the allocation of the grant. It adds to our purpose and legacy to never forget those brave men and women whose names are etched in the marble. For the first time in a long time, we can clearly read the names of those veterans who served in the Second World War. Both the First and Second World War plaques are now clean and preserved for the benefit of local families and community members to remember, with thanks to the NSW Government for the funding.”
