General News
14 June, 2025
Council receives funding to restore local cenotaph
Bogan Shire Council has been awarded $9988 from the NSW government to assist the local RSL sub-branch with repair works to the Nyngan and District War Memorial.
The cenotaph, which was originally unveiled in 1937, is situated in the forecourt of the council chambers.
The memorial was originally built to commemorate those from the district who served in the First World War, with the foundation stone laid by the Prince of Wales during his visit to the district in 1920.
Bogan Shire Council general manager Derek Francis, who is also president of the local sub-branch, thanked the department of veterans for the grant funding.
“The Nyngan cenotaph is an important reminder of the service that local people gave to Australia and is a focal point for our ANZAC Day services,” he said.
“I often observe individuals standing in silent contemplation at the cenotaph during the course of the year and this work will help ensure that we can pay due respect to our service personnel.”
Mr Francis said the condition of the cenotaph had deteriorated due to weather exposure, and the funding would enable it to be restored.
The minister for veterans, David Harris, said 14 war memorials across NSW had received funding in the latest round of the Community War Memorials Fund.
“Our communities are proud of their military history, and local war memorials are a vital part of our culture, enabling us to reflect on over 100 years of service and sacrifice of our veterans’ and their families,” he said.
“This funding will be used to undertake important conservation work so our local war memorials can continue to honour our veterans who have served our community.”
President of RSL NSW Mick Bainbridge also welcomed the funding.
“These grants play a vital role in ensuring that local war memorials across our state are properly maintained and preserved,” he said.
“War memorials are more than just stone and bronze, they are sacred focal points where communities come together to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans. By protecting these sites, we preserve the legacy of those who served and ensure future generations understand the cost of the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Meanwhile Bogan Shire Council and the Nyngan RSL Sub-Branch are also working on the establishment of a corridor of trees, as an Avenue of Remembrance in the town.
Around 70 Bimble Box trees will be planted along Cannonbar Street, between Hoskins Street and the Nyngan cemetery.
This species was selected as it is indigenous to the region, and also able to be easily sourced.
Mr Francis said there would a ceremony to mark the commencement of planting.
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