Funding for war memorial

By Zoe McMaugh

Oct 5, 2022

(Back, from left) The Nationals Duty MLC for Murray Wes Fang, John Harris from the Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch, Deputy premier Paul Toole and Edward River Mayor Peta Betts; (front) Barry Chamberlain from the Deni RSL Sub-branch, Mick Morrissey from NSW RSL and Bruce Driver from the Deniliquin Uniting Church.

One of Deniliquin’s lesser known official war memorials is to be rejuvenated.

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Hanging on the wall of the Deniliquin Uniting Church, the plaque appears to list the names of congregation members who served in World War 1.

The honour role was initially unveiled in 1918, but due to its age many of the names are now illegible.

In Deniliquin to officially open the Deniliquin Ute Muster on Friday, Deputy Premier Paul Toole made a quick pit stop at the church before heading to site.

There he surprised Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch members John Harris and Barry Chamberlain by advising they would receive $6,162 to ensure the Roll of Honour could be conserved for future generations.

The finding comes from the NSW Government’s $125,000 Community War Memorials Fund.

“This Roll of Honour, originally unveiled in August 1918, is a tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and this funding will allow their families and communities to continue honouring them for years to come,” Mr Toole said.

“The Deniliquin memorial is among 20 projects receiving grants of up to $10,000 to conserve, repair and protect the state’s existing war memorials.”

Round 2 of the Community War Memorials Fund will open on Remembrance Day, November 11 this year. It closes on February 13, 2023.

For more information, go to https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/.

By Zoe McMaugh

Senior journalist