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Anzac Day 2002 was a momentous occasion for the 142 miners and their families involved in a moving ceremony at Sheepyards.
The emotive address delivered by Vietnam veteran, Norm Jones, captured the true spirit of Gallipoli and inspired Major Kevin Moss to source funding for a permanent cenotaph at the Sheepyards.
The Sheepyard group hope to establish an affiliation with the Gold Coast to promote the future commemoration of Anzac Day in the unique environment of the opal fields.
A permanent cenotaph will become a reality with the recently announced grant from the Federal Government.
The Sheepyard Community War Memorial Association will construct a new war memorial with the help of a $4,000 grant under the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service commemorations program.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Gwydir, John Anderson, said the funding had been approved by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Danna Vale.
“Saluting Their Service encourages the community to remember and honour the contribution made by Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations since Federation,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Government is encouraging communities around the country to restore their memorials, or to build new ones where none presently exists.
“This project will provide a fitting tribute to the district’s servicemen and women.
“The Sheepyard Community War Memorial Association is to be congratulated on its initiative and I am pleased the Federal Government is lending its support.”
Since the launch of the commemorations program in 1997, nearly $6 million in grants to some 3,000 ex-service and community organisations has been approved.
Projects supported have included the restoration and construction of community war memorials, displays of wartime memorabilia and commemoration of significant wartime anniversaries.
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