They commemorate the many lives which have been forever lost and changed by war, and now, grants of up to $10000 have been made available by the Nationals in NSW Government to spruce up local monuments dedicated to war veterans and widows.

While he admitted Anzac Day this year still wasn’t “back to normal” due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the Community War Memorials Fund “proves we are heeding the Lest We Forget message.”

Mr Gulaptis said with 3200 war memorials across NSW, the State Government needs the community’s help to know which ones are in need of restoration.

“When you paid your respects on Anzac Day, was anything out of place?” he asked.

“Did something need repairing or replacing so that your children can pay their respects the same way you and your parents did?

“Is access suitable for the elderly and less mobile citizens?

“If something needs fixing, please take the next step and get an application happening either in your own name or through your local ex services group, progress association or council.”

Mr Gulaptis said grants are available to cover projects like conservation assessments, honour roll repair, environmental advice, cleaning, and repairs to war memorial halls, and he is urging community members to apply.

Applications are open until July 26 and must be made online at veteransnsw.smartygrants.com.au

More information on the rules is available at veterans.nsw.gov.au