At the same time, Mayor Ken Keith and Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd will seek to have discussions with Federal Member for Calare John Cobb in the hope of seeking further government funding.

At last week’s Council meeting, Councillors formally endorsed the Master Plan for the project designed by Mrs Elizabeth Briton.

Cr Patrica Smith who is chairperson of the committee overseeing the project said the Central West Credit Union had kicked off the public fundraising with a $2000 donation.

“Up to this stage grant funding has been very minimal and so we the committee have gone public with the hope of raising necessary funds to see the project completed,” Cr Smith said.

“We are really grateful to the Central West Credit Union for kickstarting the public appeal and also offering to accept public donations.”

Up until this stage earthwork operations and the removal of trees at the site has been undertaken by volunteers.

However, with the release of the Master Plan that includes gardens and walkways more funding is required.

The Memorial Hill precinct will be closed for a month from this Saturday (September 27) while further work including repairs and painting of the landmark memorial, the positioning of two historic war guns, gardening and general cleanup is undertaken.

A working bee this Saturday will herald the start of the month-long closure that will again include volunteers from the SES, Northparkes Mines, Council staff, Rotary and Parkes Action Clubs, Derrick Hoe Excavations, Parkes Ready Mix concrete, Parkes RSL and Services Club.

“The Master Plan for this project is very exciting and through the voluntary efforts of so many wonderful locals and hopefully financial donations from the public all will be completed by April 23 next year,” Cr Smith said.