Joint media release - Grants honour our veterans and preserve history
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
Assistant Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Assistant Minister for the Republic
Ninety community organisations, ex-service organisations, schools, and councils across Australia will receive a share in more than $1 million in grants through the latest round of the Albanese Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.
These grants support essential local projects that commemorate the enduring service and sacrifices of our veterans and preserve Australia's rich military history.
Grants have been awarded to large-scale projects such as the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum, which will host a commemorative art exhibition for the veteran community, through to local activities such as renovations and upgrades to the Soldiers Room at Mount Morgan Citizen's Club.
Saluting Their Service is an ongoing national program. Applications for the next grant round are now open until 20 June, encouraging ongoing community participation in honouring our veterans.
A wide range of organisations can apply for grants, including ex-service organisations, community groups, schools, and local councils. Two grant categories are available:
- Community Grants: Up to $10,000 for local, community-based commemorative activities.
- Major Grants: Between $10,001 and $150,000 for significant commemorative projects with national, state, territory, or regional impact.
To find out more, or apply for a grant, visit: www.grants.gov.au.
Quotes Attributable to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:
“Saluting Their Service grants support local communities undertake projects that recognise and commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel, veterans and their families.”
“Many older communities around Australia have cenotaphs and memorials dating back to World War I, but as an ever growing country we need to ensure Australia’s history is understood, and modern conflicts, and the service of modern veterans is recognised.”
“Australia’s service personnel come from all corners of our vast nation, this program ensures that the stories of local heroes are known, and recognised.”
“There are several significant commemorations in 2024, including the 25th Anniversary of INTERFET and the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. I would encourage anyone thinking about a project commemorating these two significant events in Australia’s military history to apply.”
Quotes attributed to the Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP:
“Community projects help ensure Australia's veterans' service and sacrifices are eternally remembered. The quality of applications this round reflects a genuine commitment to commemoration, blending respect, creativity, and innovation.”
“We thank everyone who dedicated themselves to applying for grants. Your efforts to honour our veterans are truly appreciated.”
“For those interested, submit your applications in the next round and contribute to the lasting legacy of our veterans.”
Media Contacts:
- Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh's Office): 0407 034 485
- Ben Leeson (Minister Thistlethwaite's Office): 0404 648 275
- DVA Media: media.team@dva.gov.au
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program 2023 24, Batch 2
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company | Publishing and promotion of the book “ACTION-ACTION-ACTION - The Essential History of the Employment of Australian Artillery 1871 to 2021”. | $22,863 |
| Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association ACT Division | Install a plaque at the Royal Australian Air Force Memorial Grove in Canberra to commemorate the Number 1 Squadron. | $4,320 |
| 450 Squadron RAAF Association Incorporated | Install a plaque at the Royal Australian Air Force Memorial Grove in Canberra to commemorate the No. 450 Squadron. | $4,852 |
| A Battery Association Incorporated | Purchase of banners and wreaths for participation in the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration activities by the A Battery Association. | $2,870 |
| TOTAL | $34,905 | |
NEW SOUTH WALES
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Bayside Council | Install brass handrails to stairs leading up to the Arncliffe Memorial Park cenotaph. | $8,130 |
| The Scout Association of Australia New South Wales Branch | Install a replacement flagpole at 4th Kingsgrove Scouts, NSW. | $1,240 |
| Bonville Public Hall Reserve Land Manager | Install two captured First World War machine guns in the Bonville Memorial Hall. | $8,864 |
| Nareena Hills Parents and Citizens Association | Create a dedicated commemorative space at Nareena Hills Primary School. | $10,000 |
| Berinba Public School | Install flagpoles and a memorial garden at Berinba Public School, NSW. | $4,000 |
| Heather Kerr | Replace the existing glass covering of a 1914-1919 Honour Board. | $1,580 |
| Woolpack Inn Museum Holbrook Incorporated | Restoration of the War Room in the Woolpack Inn Museum in Holbrook, NSW. | $9,387 |
| Macquarie United Sub Junior Rugby League Football Club | Install flagpoles at Keith Barry Oval, Toronto, NSW. | $2,000 |
| Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association Inc. | Contribute to the upgrade of the Rathmines memorial area. | $10,000 |
| Bayside Council | Install brass handrails to stairs leading up to the Mascot Park War Memorial cenotaph. | $8,130 |
| Gloucester RSL Sub-Branch (NSW Branch) | Repair cracks in the concrete plinths and repainting the Gloucester Memorial Clock Towers. | $5,208 |
| Friends of the Schoolmasters House Incorporated | Install a bronze plaque to commemorate local Ash Island service personnel. | $2,400 |
| Paulette Sansey | Publish a book entitled ‘Into the Moonlit Village- The Battle of Crete’. | $7,264 |
| Murringo Community Association Incorporated | Install plaques commemorating veterans’ names to the cenotaph in Murringo, NSW. | $6,000 |
| Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Display an honour board to commemorate active life saving members who served. | $3,776 |
| Cardiff RSL Sub Branch | Install a display cabinet with internal lighting to exhibit military war memorabilia, medals and models. | $4,970 |
| Moss Vale RSL Sub-Branch | Installation of plaques at Moss Vale RSL to commemorate post-Vietnam service. | $3,000 |
| TOTAL | $95,949 | |
NORTHERN TERRITORY
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Tennant Creek RSL Sub Branch NT Inc. | Construct a memorial area to Vietnam War veterans at the Tennant Creek RSL Sub-Branch. | $10,000 |
| TOTAL | $10,000 | |
QUEENSLAND
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Goondiwindi Regional Council | Restoration and refurbishment of the Goondiwindi Customs House, Queensland. | $71,819 |
| Friends of St Helens Beach Environment Incorporated | Install a flagpole and seating at the Repulse Esplanade St Helens Beach, QLD. | $1,694 |
| Bray Park-Strathpine RSL Sub Branch (Queensland Branch) Inc. | Create a comprehensive book detailing the Second World War military heritage of the Pine Rivers region. | $10,000 |
| Maroochydore RSL Sub-Branch (Queensland Branch) | Install new display cabinets to display a wide range of military items and memorabilia. | $10,000 |
| Beerwah and District Memorial Golf Club Incorporated | Install a new memorial including two flagpoles at the Beerwah and District memorial Golf Club. | $10,000 |
| Mundubbera RSL Sub Branch (Queensland Branch) | Frame and repair memorabilia at Mundubbera RSL, QLD. | $3,243 |
| Mount Morgan Citizen's Club Inc. | Renovations and upgrade works at the Mount Morgan Citizen’s Club’s Soldiers Room. | $6,500 |
| Beenleigh and District RSL Sub Branch (Queensland Branch) Inc. | Restore and upgrade lighting for the Beenleigh RSL wartime military display. | $10,000 |
| Townsville RSL Sub Branch (Queensland Branch) | Install memorabilia display cabinets at the Townsville RSL. | $7,560 |
| Bundaberg Regional Council | Conservation of two First World War military uniforms and purchase of a new cabinet case to allow their display at the Fairymead House Sugar History Museum. | $7,893 |
| 2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion A.I.F. Association Incorporated | Restore plaque at Rocky Creek War Memorial Park, Queensland. | $2,571 |
| Wooroolin Community Committee Incorporated | Install a new honour board in the Wooroolin Memorial Hall to commemorate the men who served in Vietnam. | $2,462 |
| Goodna RSL Sub-Branch (QLD Branch) Incorporated | Relocate the current memorial and expand it in a new location, which is at less risk of flooding. | $10,000 |
| Redcliffe RSL Sub-Branch (Queensland Branch) | Restoration works to the existing Honour Board memorial wall for returned service personnel from Redcliffe RSL Sub Branch. | $3,011 |
| Peninsula Fair Darts Association Inc. | Create three portraits representing Army, Navy and Air Force at Deception Bay Club. | $5,500 |
| Scarborough State School | Install flagpole at Scarborough State School, Queensland. | $2,000 |
| Greenbank RSL Sub Branch (Queensland Branch) | Install a new military silhouetted memorial metal display in the Greenbank RSL Sub Branch car park near the existing flagpoles. | $10,000 |
| National Servicemen's Association of Australia (Queensland) Inc. | Restore the Maryborough Nasho Memorial, Queensland. | $750 |
| Iona College Ltd | Restoration of the Manly War Memorial statue of William ‘Bill’ Henry Dodd, and relocate statue | $106,834 |
| TOTAL | $281,837 | |
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Renmark RSL Sub Branch Inc. | Install two commemorative bench seats at the Cross of Sacrifice memorial garden in Renmark. | $6,150 |
| The National Trust of South Australia | Refurbish eight brass memorial plaques located in the town rotunda in Beachport SA. | $5,200 |
| Waikerie RSL Sub Branch Incorporated | Install a medal display board at Waikerie RSL, SA. | $2,550 |
| Murray Bridge RSL Sub Branch and Bowling Club Incorporated | Create a commemorative ‘Pathway of Honour’ at Murray Bridge RSL War Memorial. | $10,000 |
| District Council of Elliston | Replacement of the Cenotaph in the District Council of Elliston. | $10,000 |
| Henley and Grange RSL Sub Branch Incorporated | Restoration and digitisation of the Henley and Grange RSL Memorabilia Display. | $7,560 |
| Aveo Retirement Homes Limited | Install flagpole at The Braes Retirement Village, South Australia. | $1,145 |
| McLaren Vale and District RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated | Purchase a display cabinet for the dedicated Vietnam era memorabilia room. | $3,971 |
| Willunga and District RSL Sub Branch Incorporated | Install a new memorial in Willunga, SA. | $10,000 |
| RSL Care South Australia Incorporated | Install six Vietnam War memorial totems at the Remembrance Walkway in RSL Care SA War Veterans Home. | $10,000 |
| TOTAL | $66,576 | |
TASMANIA
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Lenah Valley RSL Sub Branch Inc. | Restore the Lenah Valley RSL’s Service Member Honour Boards. | $7,600 |
| Cygnet Living History Museum Inc. | Install display banners and cabinets at the Cygnet Living History Museum to display wartime memorabilia. | $5,913 |
| Military Brotherhood MMC - Tasmania North Sub Branch Inc. | Enable a vinyl wrap to be applied to the Sub-Branch’s trailer, depicting service personnel and military artefacts, as well as the production of displays for their portable marquee that depict the Australian Service Badges. | $8,471 |
| Veterans Memorial Centre Inc | Landscape the parade ground at Veterans Memorial Centre Bridgewater, Tasmania. | $5,000 |
| TOTAL | $26,984 | |
VICTORIA
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Waverley RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated | Host a photography exhibition titled ‘Into The Light’ telling stories of military service. | $55,741 |
| Australian Aircraft Restoration Group | Upgrade the Second World War Pacific Gallery in the Moorabbin Airport Museum. | $16,257 |
| Australian National Veterans Arts Museum Limited | Host a commemorative art exhibition for the veteran community at the Arts Centre Melbourne. | $150,000 |
| Anglican Church of St Pauls East Ballarat | Contribute to the publication of a book entitled ‘Lives of Honour, Ballarat East and the Great War’ | $9,102 |
| Robert Gough | Contribute towards restoration and repair works at the former Bathurst Army Camp. | $10,000 |
| Rotary Club of Wandin Incorporated | Install a stone plinth and mount seven bronze plaques within the current Cenotaph. | $6,000 |
| Lilydale Primary School | Install three flagpoles and an Indigenous memorial garden at Lilydale Primary School. | $7,000 |
| Lilydale RSL Sub-Branch Inc. | Install a new flagpole, associated paving and a small memorial garden at Lilydale RSL. | $8,000 |
| Yarra Glen Primary School | Install flagpoles at Yarra Glen Primary School, Victoria. | $2,000 |
| Yarram Primary School | Install three flagpoles at Yarram Primary School, Victoria. | $2,000 |
| Bundalaguah Primary School | Install three new flagpoles for the Bundalaguah Primary School. | $2,000 |
| Ian Marshman | Install an information board and signs to commemorate service personnel and recognise the Avenue of Honour oak tree plantation at Langs Road Limestone, VIC. | $2,500 |
| Falls Creek Primary School | Install three flagpoles at the Falls Creek Primary School. | $2,000 |
| Accelerated Evolution - The Break Inc. | To construct a memorial wall at Vasey RSL Care Veterans’ Village in Cheltenham. | $2,925 |
| Cornish College | Install flagpoles and landscaping works within the Cornish College memorial garden. | $3,000 |
| Redcliffs/Irymple RSL Sub-Branch | Install a display cabinet to display wartime memorabilia donated by the public at the Military Museum. | $3,500 |
| Mildura Rural City Council | Install memorial crosses with plaques along the Cowangie Avenue of Honour. | $2,834 |
| Redcliffs/Irymple RSL Sub-Branch | Restore and addition of the Ode ‘To the Fallen’ to the existing cenotaph in the Irymple Township. | $1,318 |
| Kaniva College | Install three flagpoles at Kaniva College, Victoria | $2,000 |
| Dr Janet Butler | Digitalisation of First World War negatives of Australian soldiers in the Imperial Camel Corps in Sinai and Palestine. | $4,100 |
| Numurkah and District Historical Society Inc. | Restore the Strathmerton Methodist Church Honour Board, VIC. | $10,000 |
| Waaia Community Plan (WCP) Committee Inc. | Install a First World War plaque in Waaia, VIC. | $4,290 |
| Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-Branch Inc. | Install a new War Memorial to commemorate locals who served in the First World War and the Second World War. | $7,040 |
| St Fidelis Primary School | Install flagpoles and a memorial garden at St Fidelis Primary School, VIC. | $6,450 |
| TOTAL | $320,057 | |
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Shire of Moora | Restoration of the Shire of Moora’s War Memorial to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the installation of the War Memorial statue in May 2024. | $51,712 |
| Rottnest Island Authority | Create a design for the coast Defence Museum and Interpretation Centre in the Detail Issue Depot shed on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island. | $128,475 |
| Shire of Carnarvon | Create a new memorial to commemorate locals who served during wartime. | $10,000 |
| Lakeland Senior High School | Install three flagpoles at Lakeland Senior High School, Western Australia | $1,760 |
| HMAS Perth (I) Memorial Foundation Incorporated | Install internal illumination equipment and fire safety devices between the Navy League of Australia (WA Division) premises and the HMAS Perth memorial. | $10,000 |
| Mount Helena Residents and Ratepayers Progress Association Incorporated | Install a new roll of honour board to commemorate Mount Helena locals who served in the Second World War. | $5,137 |
| Poynter Primary School Parents and Citizens Association Inc. | Install two new flagpoles at the Pointer Primary School memorial garden. | $2,000 |
| Poynter Primary School Parents and Citizens Association Inc. | Restoration and repair of the memorial gardens at the Poynter Primary School. | $4,000 |
| West Arthur Community Resource Centre Incorporated | Install three panels of information at the Betty Brown Historical Centre, Western Australia. | $10,000 |
| Canning District RSL Sub-Branch | Install commemorative fence panels in the RSL garden in Cannington, WA. | $2,300 |
| Mandurah Murray Vietnam Veterans Group | Install two plaques to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Australian forces involvement in the Vietnam conflict, at the Mandurah RSL. | $2,325 |
| TOTAL | $227,709 | |