Funding is now available for projects that preserve our local military history and honour our service personnel.
The Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program is designed to preserve our wartime history, and highlight the service and sacrifice of our defence personnel in all wars, conflicts and peace operations.
Federal Member for Blair & Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel, Shayne Neumann, said communities across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area are proud of their military history, our local veterans who have served our nation and their families who have supported them.
“Our local communities recognise the importance of commemorating and honouring the contribution of our servicemen and women and all that they have done for our nation,” Mr Neumann said.
“This program helps to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage, providing valuable financial support, and highlighting the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans.
“Whether it’s building or maintaining a local war memorial, installing a flagpole in a school’s Anzac memorial garden, or helping local museums display wartime memorabilia, this funding will help ensure that our community and nation never forget the men and women who have served Australia.”
The STS program provides up to $10,000 for local and community-based projects and activities, such as flagpoles, memorials, digital honour rolls, and even upgrades to RSL facilities.
Mr Neumann said previous grants had seen the installation of a flagpole in the Walloon State School’s Anzac Memorial Garden; the Anzac memorial with metal silhouette, mural and monument at Ripley Valley State Secondary College; and a peace garden at Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall.
“That is a small snapshot of the local projects that have benefitted from the STS grants.
“I hope to see the opening of a few more projects this year, including the new plaque at the Pine Mountain War Memorial.”
In addition, grants of up to $150,000 are available for significant national, state/territory or regional projects and activities.
Mr Neumann said applications for the next funding round are now open and close on 8 February 2021.
“I want to urge local ex-service and community organisations, councils and schools to apply for funding.
“If groups need more support or assistance please contact my office.”
For more information, visit the, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au/about-us/overview/consultations-and-grants/grants-and-bursaries/saluting-their-service.
To apply, visit the Community Grants Hub website at www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/saluting-service
