Coolah War Memorial School of Arts is due to receive a facelift, after volunteers worked to secure funding to conserve the significant community building.

Dating back to 1920, the war memorial requires continual updates to maintain the heritage of the building.

Coolah community development officer, Lee Doyle said the back of the building now functioned as a preschool, with the remainder of the building used by the ANZAC Day committee every year for local memorial services.

“This past year, the ANZAC Day committee had a very memorable service, inviting some past community members back to town to share their stories, so the building really is a big part of our ANZAC Day commemorations each year,” she said.

Ms Doyle said funding for building upgrades was thanks to the many hours of hard work from local volunteers.

“In such a small town as Coolah, nearly every community activity is run by volunteers, so it’s always a huge deal getting grants because so many people put in so many hours of work – every little win makes all the difference.”

The funding for these upgrades was made available through the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.

Established in 2008, this funding aims to help conserve, repair, and protect war memorials across NSW, as they are a place where many gather to remember those who served their country and local communities.

Under round one of this funding, Coolah District Development Group Inc will be awarded $10,000 for the purpose of conservation work at the Coolah War Memorial School of Arts.

Ms Doyle said the building was overdue for an update, with plans to use the funding for a fresh coat of paint, cleaning and updating the honour rolls, as well as general maintenance to aid in the conservation of the building.

Volunteers have been working with Warrumbungle Shire Council throughout the process to ensure the upgrades run smoothly.

“The volunteers are really on top of working with Council, we’ve got a fantastic councillor, Kathy Rindfleish, so that link with Council makes the process so much easier,” Ms Doyle said.

“The Council has been very good in terms of supporting the project, and giving lettersofsupportforthe upgrades.”

Ms Doyle said the next step of the process is to revise painting and restoration quotes with the heritage officer, with hopes the upgrades will be completed by ANZAC Day 2024.