The music of the war years will be brought to life, thanks to an Anzac Centenary Grant being awarded to the Essendon Symphony Orchestra, Essendon Choral Society and Moonee Valley Brass.

 

Opposition Leader and Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten said the grant, funded under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, would assist the organisations to hold a series of local concerts.

 

“This project is about acknowledging the important role of music and using it to highlight the experiences of our servicemen and women, and their families,” he said,

 

"For many at home, these wartime songs provided some comfort, while for those who served, music helped to sustain their spirits,” he said.

 

Bill Shorten said the Grants Program had been established under the former Labor Government and provided up to $125,000 in funding for local electorates to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac.

 

“The concerts will provide dynamic and accessible way for the community to commemorate the Anzac Centenary,” he said.

 

"By recreating the music and concert experience of the past, this project will allow Moonee Valley residents to reflect on the legacy of the local men and women who served our nation.”