By REBECCA BILLS
THE Upwey-Belgrave RSL sub-branch will be installing security sensors and interpretive plaques at a display of deactivated rifles and swords thanks to a generous grant.
Last Thursday, La Trobe MP Jason Wood handed over $1599 to the Upwey-Belgrave RSL as part of the Australian Government initiative Saluting Their Service.
The grant aims to honour the sacrifice and service of Australian servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations and to promote appreciation and understanding of the role that those who served have played in shaping the nation.
Upwey-Belgrave RSL secretary Leigh Baker said the grant will enable the group to display the mounted firearms and swords that were donated by the HMAS Sydney, the Vietnam Logistics Support Veterans Association and another donor.
“The firearms will mean a lot to veterans like myself from the Vietnam era,” he said.
“We are extremely grateful to the Federal Government for the grant as without it we simply could not have these items on display in the Running Rabbits Military Museum at the RSL.”
The weapons that are to be mounted at the RSL include a 303 rifle, the Royal Australian Navy ceremonial officer’s sword of Allan John Rankin Watkins, a Russian 7.62mm RPK machine gun and a Japanese officer’s sword.
Mr Wood said the grant is a way to share a token of thanks for the group’s services protecting our nation.
“I am very happy to be announcing the award of the Saluting Their Service to Upwey-Belgrave RSL sub-branch,” he said.
“The program is designed to preserve our wartime heritage and to include people throughout the nation in a wide range of activities and projects – a very worthwhile cause in my opinion.”
