Mayor Ian Tiley has promised to donate $1000 of his own money to install an honour board recognising Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recipients and affiliates in the Armidale War Memorial Library if a grant application is unsuccessful.
The Order of Australia Association (OAA) New England branch has submitted a funding application for the installation of the board, however, Mayor Tiley says he is committed to ensuring the project goes ahead, regardless of the outcome of the grant application.
"Recognising and preserving a public record of the region's outstanding citizens in the Armidale War Memorial Library is a fitting project to honour those who have achieved so much," he said.
"It would also be a mark of respect to the citizens being honoured, as well as their families and friends."
The 900mm wide by 1100mm high honour board would be made of polished timber with three columns to be inscribed with gold lettering.
The size of the board would have enough space to add all previous recipients, in addition to the names of those recognised in future Australia Day and Queen's Birthday lists.
"The Armidale Regional LGA has 125 Order of Australia medal recipients, beginning with Professor Gordon Lee McClymont AO who was conferred on Australia Day in 1977," said Mayor Tiley.
"It is very important to me as Mayor of this wonderful region to ensure these honourable citizens are recognised and that their names are displayed for all to see for decades to come."
An honour board has been costed with the support of the Armidale Men's Shed and AOK signs, and the Order of Australia Association believes it could be produced and inscribed for approximately $1000, while supporting local business.
"I would like to thank the Order of Australia Association New England Branch for their hard work in trying to materialise this great idea," said Mayor Tiley.
"I am excited to support this fantastic initiative in any way I can."
