Federal Member for Banks, David Coleman MP, has announced that the Australian Air League’s Riverwood Hornet Squadron will receive funding from the Australian Government to help commemorate the Centenary of Anzac.
The Hornets will receive $11,300 under the Government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants programme to build a new memorial at their base at Bland Oval, Riverwood.
“The Anzac Centenary is a milestone of special significance to all Australians. The First World War helped define us as a people and as a nation,” Mr Coleman said.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to secure funds for the Hornets to build a new memorial at Bland Oval.
“This memorial will not only add to the commemorations of the Centenary of Anzac next year, but be a focal point of our community’s commemorations for years to come.
“The Squadron is one of the largest youth organisations in our community. It’s important that young people know about the sacrifices made during the First World War that helped to make our nation what it is today. The memorial will be a reminder of this sacrifice for the young cadets, and the broader community”.
Group Lieutenant Chris Bailey said that the memorial would hold extra significance given the Air League’s connection with the First World War.
“We are very proud that the Australian Air League was founded by Mr George Robey, an ANZAC who won a Distinguished Conduct Medal on 25 April 1915 at the Gallipoli landing,” Lt. Bailey said.
“We look forward to having the memorial at the centre of our commemorative services for many years to come”.