The recently relocated Somerville cenotaph will be refurbished in time for the Centenary of ANZAC commemorations next year thanks to a $10,000 Commonwealth Government grant.
“I am delighted to announce that the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson has approved a grant for the Mornington Peninsula Shire to restore the Somerville Cenotaph,” Mr Hunt said.
“The cenotaph, which has been recently relocated to Somerville Fruitgrowers Reserve, is now even more of a centrepiece of the town.
“The cenotaph is one of the most striking cenotaphs on the Mornington Peninsula and it is brilliant to see it restored.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire manager libraries, arts and culture Geoff Carson said the funding would be used to complete the second stage of the project.
“In partnership with the community, the Shire has achieved a tremendous amount of work with stage one of the project,” he said.
“We look forward to finalising the refurbishment of the cenotaph, including new plaques, seating and story boards, with Commonwealth assistance in time for the 2015 ANZAC Centenary.”
Mr Hunt said community groups had been working hard on their plans to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.
“The Centenary of ANZAC will be the most significant national period of commemoration in our nation’s history,” he said.
“The ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program gives community members the opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice that epitomises the ANZAC spirit.”
“I look forward to working with community groups across the electorate to deliver commemorations that will honour our nation’s centenary of service and mark this nation-defining event in ways that we can all be proud of.”
Media contact: Samantha Robin on 03 5979 3188 or 0427 787 166
Download the related file: 280414 Media Release – ANZAC Centenary grant for Somerville cenotaph.pdf