The fund has been created in memory of Rusty Priest who was dedicated to maintaining and promoting the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
“This fund was announced at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway on the 71st anniversary of the raising of the Australian flag on the Kokoda plateau which was a fitting date,” Mayor Tsirekas said.
“Rusty was extremely committed to this Track but to also raising the profile of war veterans and the RSL in NSW and Australia.
“As President of the NSW RSL from 1993 to 2002, Rusty was widely credited with rebuilding community pride and awareness of Anzac Day commemorations.
“He was instrumental in the creation of the Kokoda Walking Track Memorial in Concord but also with renaming the Glebe Island Bridge to the Anzac Bridge.”
Mayor Tsirekas said the $10,000 contribution to the fund was the City of Canada Bay’s way of remembering Rusty and the wonderful work he did in the community.
“I would also like to thank other community members Adam Taylor, Rebecca Hansson, John Price, Lance Brooks, Michael McMahon, Larry Musolino, Remo Adoncello and Tony Watson for their dedication in raising money for this fund,” Mayor Tsirekas said.