The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

VA044 Friday 13 May 2005

FUNDING TO COMMEMORATE TASMANIAN WWI VETERANS

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, today announced $4000 in funding for the Soldiers Memorial Avenue in Hobart, which honours those soldiers from Hobart who died in service during World War I.

Mrs Kelly made the announcement while she was in Tasmania for the State's RSL Congress.

"The Australian Government is pleased to contribute funds for 16 plaques which will form part of the restored avenue," she said.

"The Soldiers Memorial Avenue is an historic and beautiful part of Tasmania's wartime history.

"After World War I more than 500 trees were planted in memory of fallen soldiers from Hobart and New Town.

"Located on Hobart's Queen Domain, I know this is a focal place for Tasmanians to reflect on those who have served Australia. It is the largest Avenue of Honour in Tasmania and one of the largest in Australia."

Mrs Kelly said the funding was part of the Australian Government's Saluting Their Service grants program that supports community projects that honour Australia's wartime history.

"In 2002, the Government also contributed a grant of $3000 to the Soldiers Memorial Avenue project for a database on the servicemen commemorated in the avenue, " she said.

Mrs Kelly said the funding for the avenue comes in the wake of a number of Australian Government election commitments to commemorate Tasmanians who served in world wars.

"During the election the Government announced funding to establish a memorial to Tasmania's most decorated soldier Harry Murray VC CMG DSO* DCM, who was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre, at Evandale. Funds were also committed to help the Legerwood community create a new community memorial garden," she said.

"In a special commemorative year for Australia with the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign and the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, it is an honour to contribute funds to a community project that honours those who served Australia."