Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker said $60,242 has been made available to the museum and a further $4000 for the Bowraville RSL sub-branch by the Federal Government under the ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program. 

The grants have been provided to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians during the First World War.

“The ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program enables communities to support commemorations at the local level by giving them the opportunity to secure funding for projects that preserve the stories and memory of local servicemen and women for generations to come,” Mr Hartsuyker said. 

“These grants will complement the wider series of commemorative activities that have been developed throughout the electorate.” 

A variety of projects will be undertaken by community and ex-service groups in Cowper, including the building of a new granite cenotaph at Wooli, the restoration of honour boards and a display cabinet in Coffs Harbour and the World War I Poppy Project. 

“Across the country $125,000 has been made available to each Federal electorate for community and ex-service groups to spend on commemorative programs,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

The local MP accompanied the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Senator Michael Ronaldson on a tour of the Nambucca Valley on Saturday. Mr Hartsuyker and Sen Ronaldson visited Bowraville to view the current war memorial, and to see the military museum.

Sen Ronaldson and Mr Hartsuyker also attended the Nambucca Valley ANZAC Day 2015 Centenary Luncheon.

“I am grateful for the significant and tireless efforts of the local veteran community in ensuring that the sacrifices made by their comrades are never forgotten," Mr Hartsuyker said.