newy.com.au – Maitland City Council has been awarded $9,600 to assess the condition of four local war memorials and guide future conservation work.
The grant covers the Maitland & District War Memorial, Woodberry-Tarro War Memorial, Bolwarra First World War Memorial and Maitland Boer War Memorial. It will fund assessments and heritage advice, rather than repairs.
Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the funding would help the council plan for the memorials’ care.
“This funding will help Council engage specialists to assess the condition of each memorial and identify future conservation and maintenance needs, allowing us to protect these significant heritage assets for the future.”
The grant is part of nearly $285,000 in NSW Government funding announced on Thursday, 29 October 2026. The Community War Memorials Fund round awarded 28 grants covering 48 memorials across 25 local government areas.
Other Hunter memorials were also named for support. Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr welcomed funding for the Gordon Williams Memorial and the First World War Memorial Gates at Aberdare Cemetery.
Dungog RSL sub-Branch president Neil Tickle said funding would support conservation of the Christ Church Second World War Memorial Gate and the Dungog Memorial Arches.
“These memorials hold a special place in the Dungog community, recognising the service and sacrifice of local men and women who served our nation,” Mr Tickle said.
The funding announcement coincided with a veterans forum in Maitland hosted by Veterans Minister David Harris, bringing together state government representatives, ex-service organisations, veterans and their families from the Hunter.
The forums are part of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030 and are intended to connect veterans to trusted information while giving the government an opportunity to hear local views.
“Today is a great opportunity for Hunter-based veterans and their families to share their experiences and let us know how we can continue to improve our support for them,” Mr Harris said.
Applications for the 2027/28 funding round will open in April 2027. Councils, RSL sub-Branches and community organisations can find program details and application information on the Community War Memorials Fund website.
