A $14,500 grant from the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program will assist the Ballaarat General Cemeteries Trust to continue research into our local wartime history.
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King said the funding would support the research and publication of a book that documents the stories of hundreds of local soldiers who served in the First World War.
“The Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program supports projects that commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women in the First World War,” Ms King said.
“This project aims to tell the story of how the Great War impacted on the families of Ballarat and District.
“The book was initially conceived as a Great War Heritage Trail guide for use by visitors to Ballarat’s cemeteries, focusing on the stories of some 20 local soldiers.
“However, after extensive research, the project has linked over 750 Ballarat graves to the First World War.
“The heartfelt epitaphs and tributes on the headstones and memorials help to reveal the experience of an entire community during the Great War.
“Our local servicemen came from all walks of life but were all united in their loyalty to our nation; they included those who over or understated their age in order to enlist; the many young men who left for the battlefield never to return; and the soldiers who came home as decorated heroes.
“This is an important part of our local history and all of these stories deserve to be told.
“I’d like to acknowledge the work of the Ballaarat General Cemeteries Trust for their commitment to this important project.
“Thanks also to the members of local Anzac Centenary Grants committee for their expert advice and assessment of applications for funding from the program.”
The program has already received applications to support up to $125,000 of local projects in the Federal Electorate of Ballarat that commemorate the First World War.
For further information go to http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/grants/index.htm or contact Ms King’s office at 5 Lydiard St North, Ballarat, Ph: 5338 8123.