The donations were formally given at the ceremony to mark the beginning of Australia’s involve-ment in World War I on Monday at the Inverell cenotaph.

Re-enactment committee member, Kim Blomfield, said it was a tremendous boost and vote of confidence for the January 2016 event and supporting activities. 

“It means we’ve got an event,” she said with a big smile. Kim felt the support legitimised the plans.

“And coming from the RSL and RSM, it holds a lot more weight as far as dignity and respect and honour,” she said.

Ann Hodgens is also on the committee and felt equally grateful for the donations.

“It’s absolutely huge. It’s already meant we were able to send Kim to a very important meeting in Sydney last week with the Transport Management Centre, with regard to the formalities of the march,” she said.

RSP sub-branch vice-president Patrick McMahon said the RSL was more than happy to offer their support to the event which he felt would be a tremendous benefit to the community.

“Anything they need to kick them off, and we’ll continue to help them right through to the end of the re-enactment.

Patrick said as a veteran, the event held significance to veterans and servicemen and women.

“It means a lot to me because I served, too. I served in four war zones, and they were the originals. We’ve heard about them since we were little kids at school.”

Senator John Williams attended Monday’s ceremony. He lauded the RSL and RSM Club for their generosity. He said he has secured a commitment to attend from Veteran Affairs Minister Michael Ronaldson and written to the Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove.

“Spoke to him personally about it.  Still waiting for a reply, but we’d love to have him here, because he has such a soft-spot for Inverell and the generosity of Inverell when Timor and other conflicts were on,” Senator Williams said.

“This is going to be a great remembrance of those who just stepped forward and volunteered.”