Diggers Stories And Memories Immortalised Digitally

Two local veterans organisations in Manly are taking an innovative approach to honouring the stories and memories of our soldiers. The Harbord Diggers RSL and veterans advocacy group, SEVENmile have each received grants from the NSW Government to honour our war veterans digitally as part of the ANZAC Community Grants Program.

Harbord Diggers received $1000 grant to create the first RSL Sub Branch website on the Northern Beaches to house the stories and memories of 1,900 veterans along with their photos to serve as a historical repository for libraries and schools.

SEVENmile was also successful in receiving $2000 as they create video interviews of local school children listening to the personal experiences of 10 returned service personnel, lifting the veil on stories that often remain untold or kept only by their families.

Member for Manly and Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans, James Griffin, said the NSW Government grants program is designed to ensure the community acknowledges the contribution made by our veterans and their families.

“Respecting the service and sacrifice of our veterans is a vital part of our Australian way of life. I thank both SEVENmile and Harbord Diggers for their efforts to enrich our local community,” Member for Manly, James Griffin said.

“ANZAC Day 2020 required us to re-imagine how we honoured our war veterans and both these organisations have continued on this path as we make stories and memories more accessible.”

The annual Anzac Community Grants Program has injected almost $250,000 into 180 community based projects since its inception in 2015.

The current round of Anzac Community Grants will see over 40 projects delivered across categories including:

• Local community historical research and education;
• Preservation or display of war memorabilia;
• Public commemorative events, arts and culture; and
• Support to members of the NSW veteran community.

 “Every year approximately 1,200 veterans transition from the Defence Force back into NSW communities and the NSW Government is absolutely committed to supporting them and their families during this time,” Mr Griffin said.

Information regarding grant programs can be found on the NSW Veteran Affairs website: veterans.nsw.gov.au