Recent grant funding of $880 received from the Federal Minister for Veterans Affairs under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has enabled this small but important local memorial plaque commemorating the Volunteer Defence Corps in Nelligen to be restored by the Nelligen Progress Association.
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Photos: Nelligen Progress Association
The memorial was originally dedicated 7 March 2003 with support of the then Federal Government, and members of Batemans Bay and Braidwood Branches of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL). The Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants program is designed to preserve Australia's wartime heritage and to involve people throughout the nation in a wide range of projects and activities that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australia's servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and promote appreciation and understanding of the role that those who served have played in shaping the nation. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the projects such as the Nelligen plaque were a fitting way to recognise Australian military service as the Anzac Centenary program and the Century of Service draws to close. “I offer my congratulations to these communities which will use this funding to deliver a range of thoughtful and meaningful projects, including commemorative books, artworks, services, and refurbishment of memorials,” Mr Chester said.