A funding boost announced by the federal government yesterday will aid in the completion of important upgrades to the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon.
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The grant, worth $181,818, will go towards the purchase and installation of a clavier, new bells and an upgraded eternal flame that is due to be unveiled in time for Anzac Day.
Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the Bathurst community has been pushing to see the Carillon completed for many years and that the funding will ensure the memorial is fully realised.
"The Carillon was notionally completed in 1933, but the full vision has never been able to be implemented simply because the funding hasn't been available," Mr Gee said.
"We've had governments of all levels, local businesses and community groups rallying for the completion of this project, and this funding will serve as the last piece of the puzzle."
The funding for the project has come from the federal government's Armistice Centenary Grants Program, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.
Mr Gee made the announcement along with federal minister for veterans' affairs Darren Chester, who said the funding was a great win for the Bathurst community.
"The Carillon is a living memorial that rings its bells every day to remind people about the stories of Australia's servicemen and women," Mr Chester said.
"It's very important that we thank our past and present servicemen and women every day of the year, and the Bathurst community does that in an evocative way."
Works to upgrade the Carillon commenced in November last year with the installation of two new octaves of bells.
The new bells were the first phase of a project that is set to cost around $500,000 to complete.
In July last year, the works received a $300,000 boost from the state government to go with the $190,000 that had been raised by the memorial's funding committee.
Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger said the installation of a clavier, phase two of the project, is well under way.
"The soldiers of World War One heard the carillons on the Western Front with their claviers being played and once we see this vital instrument installed, our Carillon will finally be complete," Mr Hanger said.
Bathurst RSL Sub Branch president David Mills said the Carillon is a permanent reminder of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts throughout history.
"Each year, the Carillon forms the nucleus of our community commemorations," Mr Mills said.