THE 100-year-old New Norfolk Cenotaph will receive a $10,000 restoration under the federal government’s Saluting Their Service grants program. The funding was announced on Thursday morning by the Federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell MHR, alongside Derwent Valley Council mayor Michelle Dracoulis and New Norfolk RSL president Bernie Clifford and secretary Brian Glover.
“The restoration will include replacing lime-based cement mortar with a product that won’t damage the sandstone, and cleaning off years of lichen and moss,” Mr Mitchell said. “It is hoped the work can be completed by Anzac Day but that will depend on the availability of contractors,” he said.
Mr Mitchell thanked the council for submitting the project for funding. “The very least we owe the men from New Norfolk who died in war is to maintain and restore the memorial we built in their memory and honour. Lest we forget,” he said.
Councillor Dracoulis said the council would seek appropriately-certified heritage restoration experts to
undertake the work. The cenotaph, located in front of the council chambers in Circle St, was built in 1922 as a memorial to lives lost in World War I. There were initially 70 names on the monument and further names were added in 1938. Additional plaques have since been added in tribute to those who lost their lives in World War II and later conflicts.
The last restoration of the Cenotaph was carried out in 2003.
