But the move comes more than two years after Albury Council initially supported the RSL’s bid to apply for government funding to increase security at the memorial.

New RSL Albury branch president Colin Darts said the Department of Veterans Affairs had committed $4000 to the project.

Mr Darts said the Commercial Club had committed $10,500 towards the work.

A contribution from the SS & A Club was pending, Mr Darts said.

He said the RSL was now hoping Albury Council would make a contribution towards the project.

Mr Darts said this was the first stage in an overall plan to increase security and improve lighting at the memorial.

It would involve the installation of four cameras, a recording device and the installation of new cabling.

“We have approached the council for some help and assistance and a report will go to a subsequent council meeting for consideration,” he said.

A second stage to the project would cost $50,000 and would see the installation of new floodlighting for the monument installed in the ground, rather than fixed upon light poles as they are now.

“It would be beautiful and give the memorial a real lift,” Mr Darts said.

Monument Hill was twice hit by vandals during 2007.

The vandals uprooted a plaque that marked the 2/23rd (Albury’s Own) Infantry Battalion.

They also left the base of the white memorial covered in graffiti.

At the time a reward of $3000 was offered to those able to provide information that caught the offenders. But the reward offered was never claimed.

Mr Darts said RSL members would like the first stage project to be completed as soon as possible once the remainder of the $25,000 was raised.

He said during the lead-up to Anzac Day, the community focus turned to the memorial.

“We are very fortunate that since 2007 the vandalism and graffiti has been at a minimum,” he said.

“But after the last spate of graffiti in Dean Street and the centre of Albury, you do become concerned.

“The memorial is such a focal point of the town.

“When you physically look at Albury it is one of the first things you see so we don’t want it to be damaged.”

Editorial — page 18