A piece of Nowra’s World War I history will be preserved after Federal Government funding was awarded to restore the historic Waratah March red ensign flag.

The flag, presented to local recruits as they departed Nowra in 1915, will be conserved following a successful $2,420 application by the Shoalhaven Historical Society under the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program.

The application was supported by Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips.

Phillips said the red ensign was an important reminder of the service and sacrifice of young men from Nowra who enlisted during the First World War.

“The Waratah March red ensign is such an important piece of local military history that represents the sacrifice that so many young men from right across the Shoalhaven made in WWI,” Phillips said.

“I’m really proud to support the restoration of the fragile flag so that it can be safely stored and displayed at the Nowra Museum.

She thanked members of the Shoalhaven Historical Society for their work in preserving the flag, ensuring future generations can learn about a significant chapter in Nowra’s history.

The red ensign was presented by Red Cross President Mrs Rodway to Captain Blow when the Waratah March departed Nowra on 30 November 1915, bound for Centennial Park in Sydney.

At the time, the Shoalhaven News reported an “enthusiastic demonstration” outside the Nowra Post Office in Junction Street, where a group of about 70 recruits gathered before answering what was then described as the “call of the empire”.

Phillips said it was important that stories of military service continued to be commemorated and shared in a defence community such as Nowra.

The funding forms part of more than $1.3 million awarded to 72 community organisations across Australia under the latest round of the 2025–26 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

Since its inception, the program has funded thousands of projects nationwide recognising Australia’s military history and the sacrifices made by veterans.

Ex-service organisations, community groups, local councils, schools and individuals are encouraged to apply for funding for projects acknowledging Australia’s military history.

Further information is available through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au/STSgrants.