SALUTING THEIR SERVICE

04 May 2021

Four local projects commemorating our wartime heritage have been approved for funding under the Saluting Their Service grants program.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said he was proud to see four strong projects receive the funding in different parts of the electorate.

The successful projects are:

  • Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall Association - $10,000 to establish a peace garden at the hall to commemorate Australian defence personnel who served during World War One.
  • Mount Crosby State School P&C - $2,000 to install two new flagpoles in the memorial garden near the school entrance.
  • Ripley Valley State Secondary College P&C - $10,000 to add a metal silhouette, plaque and mural to the school’s existing memorial to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the RAAF.
  • Pine Mountain District War Memorial Group - $9,000 to install a new fence an additional plaque at the memorial, to commemorate the service and sacrifice of 15 locals who served in World War Two.

“There is a large cohort of service and ex-service personnel living across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area,” Mr Neumann said.

“These projects are important to recognise the service and sacrifice made by many within this community through various campaigns.”

Mr Neumann said the current projects represent different ways local communities wish to honour their service personnel.

“The memorial at the Ripley Valley State Secondary College is in a new community with many residents working at RAAF Base Amberley

“It is fitting to recognise the RAAF’s 100-year anniversary as part of this unique memorial.

“Meantime, the Pine Mountain memorial will install a new plaque to recognise local residents who served in WWII, and that includes 99-year old Edgar Owen, who continues to live in Pine Mountain and attend Anzac and Remembrance Day services.

“I’m looking forward to unveiling these projects and seeing them at local services and events.

“It is important that our community recognises the service of our Defence personnel now and into the future.”