A large mural honouring Vietnam War veterans will soon appear on the walls of the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum.
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On Wednesday, Parkes MP Mark Coulton announced more than $50,000 in funding for the Gunnedah and District Historical Society project under the Coalition’s Drought Communities Program.
Society secretary Marie Hobson said members were delighted that the project had received the green light after applying for the grant late last year.
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Mrs Hobson said the society had been looking at ways of honouring veterans from the Vietnam War after creating a dedicated display in the military section on the ground floor of the museum.
“We already had ideas for the mural and when the funding for drought-affected communities became available we decided to apply,” she said.
“The grant funding of $53,651 has met our expectations and should cover the cost of engaging Dora Creek artist Jenny McCracken who painted the wonderful silo murals at Gulargambone.
“We are very grateful to Owen Hasler for his support in finding an artist and gaining quotes for equipment needed to paint the mural on the Water Tower, which is almost 12 metres high.”
Jenny McCracken has already completed draft sketches of the proposal, which will include the iconic Iroquois helicopter used in Vietnam. This mural will face ANZAC Parade with a second mural planned for the northern side of the water tower to include soldiers paying tribute to fallen veterans at the Long Tan Cross.
Mrs Hobson said the committee and the artist are keen to get started with an anticipated completion time of two weeks subject to weather conditions.
All projects funded under this grant scheme must be completed by June 30.