SYDENHAM war memorial will be upgraded to prevent vandalism after a $5500 grant was approved under the latest round of the state government’s Restoring Community War Memorial Grants.
Western Metropolitan Region Liberal MP Andrew Elsbury says the memorial at Watergardens station plays an important role in remembering the stories of local servicemen and women.
“Grants like these provide practical support so communities can keep their memorials in the best condition, ensuring local servicemen and women and their stories of courage and mateship are never forgotten,” Mr Elsbury said.
Sunshine RSL’s secretary Lesley Twidle says she is disappointed by the amount of vandalism that takes place at local war memorials.
“I think it is really important we look after the memorials in Brimbank out of respect for the people who have gone out and defended this country,” Ms Twidle said.
“It’s unfortunate that vandalism of these memorials happens quite often and it’s a shame some people don’t have respect for the history of this country.”
The Sydenham memorial was officially dedicated at a special ceremony in November 2006 and includes two large plaques which list the names of the Sydenham soldiers who took part in the first and second world
wars.
Ms Twidle says she is pleased that the memorial plaques will be upgraded to prevent vandalism.
