The Community War Memorials Fund is designed to protect and repair local war memorials, which preserves the Anzac legacy.

Local communities can access up to $10,000 funding, while local councils are also urged to apply for the fund.

“Ensuring local war memorials remain in great condition is an essential part of honouring Australian service men and women who sacrificed so much for our nation,” Kiama MP Gareth Ward said.

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock said the CWMF ensures communities have the opportunity to protect and conserve war memorials.

“This is why this is such an important initiative,” she said.

Funding applications can be made by veterans groups, community organisations and local councils until Anzac Day.

The CWMF has recently funded the painting of the Bellata War Memorial Hall, repairs to the Maclean Cenotaph, a conservation assessment report for the Broken Hill War Memorial as well as the installation of barriers around the Boer War memorial and WWII RAAF Memorial in Lismore to protect them from damage.

Applications will be assessed by the State War Memorial Committee, which is made up of NSW RSL, Public Works Advisory, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and Veterans’ Affairs.

For more information, including application forms visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/.