Saluting service to our nation across local communities

The Albanese Government is providing $2.2 million in grants to preserve our wartime heritage and honour veterans in local communities across Australia.

Delivered through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, funding will go to 92 community-led projects aimed at helping Australians of all ages understand the sacrifices made in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations.

Community groups, schools, ex-service organisations and local governments will deliver the projects.

A mixture of traditional commemorative spaces and creative projects such as books, podcasts and documentaries have been selected for funding.

The Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announced the funding alongside Member for Leichardt Matt Smith at the Mossman Cenotaph in Far North Queensland.

RSL Australia’s Mossman Sub-Branch has been awarded $50,466 for restoration work on the Mossman Cenotaph, one of our northernmost war memorials and an important monument for recognising the sense of duty that shaped regional Australia.

Since its inception, the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has funded thousands of projects nationwide, creating lasting tributes in communities large and small to ensure we continue to honour our veterans for many generations to come. 
For more information about the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, including how to apply for the 2026-27 funding round, please visit the STS Grants website.

Quotes attributable to Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh:

“The projects we are funding today help local communities large and small to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans for generations to come.

“Just as importantly, they bring people of all ages together to reflect on the impact of war and conflict on their local community.

“Ensuring the stories behind the names of those that served our nation are told in our local communities is an important way in which we ensure we put into practice the words ‘Lest we forget’.

Quotes attributable to Matt Smith, Member for Leichardt:

"It's a universal truth that ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day are two of the most significant dates in the Australian calendar, when we all come together to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice that service men and women have given to protect our country and way of life in past conflicts.

“The Mossman Cenotaph is particularly significant as the focal point of commemorative ceremonies for residents of the Douglas Shire, with an impressive landscaped garden and fully accessible paved area.

Congratulations to the Mossman RSL Sub-Branch on receiving this grant for restoration work on the Mossman Cenotaph so that future generations can continue to pay respect to the fallen diggers."

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