Pathway of honour will add to Murray Bridge war memorial
The RSL has won a commemorative government grant to finish work on a memorial project.
The Murray Bridge RSL will be able to complete a Pathway of Honour at Sturt Reserve thanks to a $73,500 government grant announced this month.
The grant will form part of the federal government’s Saluting Their Service program, which will provide funding for 36 commemorative projects across the country.
Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said the grants were not just about preserving history.
“They’re about strengthening the bind between local communities and the legacy of our veteran community,” he said.
The grant will add to existing funding of $10,000 received from the same program last year, which, combined with support from the local council, gave the project its initial start.
Since then, only some progress had been made, but the new grant will allow the original full scope of works to be completed.
This will include six granite information plinths, bench seating, landscaping and lighting, all expected to be finished later this year.
RSL president Rod Harris said the grant would support the creation of a meaningful space for the community to reflect and honour the region’s war servicemen and women.
“The Pathway of Honour will be a point of reflection and recognition for the veterans who have served their country and for those who may have died for their country,” he said.
Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley said the project would strengthen the recognition of the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans and their families from across the whole region.
“The Murray Bridge War Memorial at Sturt Reserve is a place for commemoration, reflection, education, and preserving our country’s wartime heritage,” Mr Thorley said.
“It’s become a space for regional people and visitors to pay their respects to our veteran community.”
The space is able to accommodate up to 3000 people for major events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
