An Albanese Labor Government will deliver funding certainty for the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Concord West.

In recent years, the walkway has received annual Federal Government grant funding, however, this funding will cease on 30 June 2022 and the Morrison Government has failed to extend it.

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Shayne Neumann, said he was delighted that Federal Labor had stepped up to support such a worthy project.

“I’m proud that if elected, an Albanese Labor Government will provide the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway with $186,000 next financial year and ongoing funding for the following three years.

“The Kokoda Track campaign was a defining symbol of Australia’s involvement in the Pacific War and holds a special place in the hearts of veterans and the Australian community.

“The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is the only national Kokoda memorial and it must be protected for the benefit of generations to come.

“This year will be the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Kokoda in 1942 and a number of significant commemorations will be held at the memorial, including a VP Day service on 15 August and a Kokoda Day service on 3 November.

“I want to thank Labor’s candidate for Reid Sally Sitou for advocating so strongly for this important community asset,” he said.

Labor candidate for Reid Sally Sitou welcomed the funding and ongoing community interest in recognising the region’s military history.

“Our community’s wartime history, through those who have served or continue to serve, is a part of our identity,” she said.

“I am so pleased that the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway will benefit from this grant, as this will ensure that our military history is never forgotten.”

“The Kokoda Track War Memorial plays a significant commemorative and educational role in connection with the Concord Repatriation General Hospital and National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare, which support the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and families.

“I congratulate the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway on its outstanding work to carry on this proud legacy.

“I thank the Board for working with me and for their efforts to secure this commitment  for our local community,” Ms Sitou said.