More than $1.68 million to salute veterans' service
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Councils, schools, community and ex-service organisations across the country will share in more than $1.68 million in funding, thanks to the Albanese Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.
Local monuments and commemorative activities are a vital part of making sure the stories of service and sacrifice of local legends live on for generations.
Today I’m pleased to announce 91 unique projects have been successful in receiving funding through this round of the Saluting their Service Grant program, each will deliver places of reflection as well as make learning our military history more accessible.
The successful submissions feature a range of innovative commemorative activities, including an installation at Western Riverina Arts to commemorate Indigenous veterans and the development of a digital exhibition and documentary marking next year’s 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The ongoing Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program delivers Community Grants up to $10,000 and Major Grants up to $150,000 with the current round open until 20 June 2024.
With the 25th anniversary of INTERFET coming up in September and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War next year, now is the perfect time to develop innovative projects that pay tribute to all those who have, and continue to serve our nation.
To find out more or apply visit the Saluting Their Service Grants Program website.
Media Contacts:
- Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh's Office): 0407 034 485
- 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 3
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Australian College of Nursing Ltd. | To produce a documentary to highlight the legacy of the 21 nurses killed during the Bangka Island Massacre and the statue of Vivian Bullwinkel honouring the group at the Australian War Memorial. | $49,675 |
| Wildbear Entertainment Pty Ltd. | To create a feature length documentary from WildBear Entertainment and Neil Pigot, provisionally titled The World Behind The Wire. | $84,280 |
| TOTAL | $133,955 |
NEW SOUTH WALES
| Recipient | Funding Description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Jewish Historical Society Inc. | To create six virtual museum touchscreen kiosks to educate the public and commemorate Australian Defence Forces service personnel of Jewish faith who died in active service, proposed kiosk locations are major Jewish Museums and Centres. | $23,044 |
| Baptistcare NSW and ACT | To restore an existing war memorial at Aminya Retirement Village and Aged Care Facility. | $10,000 |
| Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans and Associated Forces Inc. | Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Cowra Prisoners of War breakout by Japanese Prisoners of War. | $6,750 |
| Brewarrina RSL Sub Branch Ltd. | Construct a memorial statue and update an honour board to commemorate ADF personnel. | $10,000 |
| Broken Hill High School Parents & Citizens Assoc. | To install a Vietnam Honour Board at the Broken Hill High School to commemorate those who served and grew up in Broken Hill. | $3,680 |
| City of Penrith RSL Sub Branch (NSW) | Commemorate the 80th Anniversary (04 August 2024) of the Cowra Prisoners of War Camp breakout by Japanese Prisoners of War. | $1,400 |
| Cudal Central Inc. | To supply and install flagpoles at Toogong War Memorial. | $1,400 |
| Dudley War Memorial Land Manager | To install 2 new monuments and new gardens with paving and flagpoles at Dudley War Memorial. | $10,000 |
| Gloucester Sub Branch RSLA (NSW Branch) | Frame an impressive WW1 photograph (titled Spirit of ANZAC) of troops in Egypt along with an explanation of ANZAC ideals. | $386 |
| Helensburgh RSL Sub Branch | To create a bronze plaque depicting the WW2 honour roll for the Helensburg District registered to the NSW War Memorials Register. | $3,600 |
| Historical Aircraft Restoration Society | To repaint an ex-Defence UH-1B Iroquois helicopter and display at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Aviation Museum. | $92,000 |
| Leeton Shire Council | To create 40 double-sided street banners honouring service personnel of Leeton Shire. The project will be called the "Men and Women of Leeton - Saluting their Service". | $5,266 |
| Macleay River Historical Society Inc. | To purchase and display replica medals at the Kempsey Museum. | $890 |
| Maitland RSL Sub Branch Inc. | Restore and upgrade the first World War Memorial. | $131,000 |
| Marist Schools Australia Ltd T/A St Gregory's College Campbelltown | To restore and expand the current war memorial at St Gregory’s College. | $10,000 |
| Mt Pleasant Public School Parents and Citizen Assoc. | To replace ageing flagpoles at Mt Pleasant Public School. | $2,000 |
| NSW Government Schools Ingleburn | To refurbish the existing Anzac memorial cenotaph to create a dignified space to honour those who sacrificed for the nation. | $10,000 |
| Pambula Wetlands and Heritage Project Inc. | To restore the Pambula District Avenue of honour to commemorate service personnel from the Pambula region. | $10,000 |
| Queanbeyan Legacy part of The Legacy Club of Queanbeyan Eden Monaro Inc. | Install a new commemorative Wall at the Legacy Village Queanbeyan Eden Monaro Legacy. | $10,000 |
| Raymond Terrace RSL Sub Branch | To refurbish the flagpole at the Seaham Knitting Circle Memorial in NSW. | $2,000 |
| RSLA (NSW Branch) | Host an Inaugural Middle East Area of Operations Commemoration ceremony at the Cenotaph in Sydney. | $2,778 |
| RSLA Wallsend Sub Branch (NSW Branch) | Install flagpoles at Federal Park. | $2,000 |
| RSL (NSW Branch) | Construct a Memorial known as the Hawkesbury Cenotaph to commemorate local service personnel. | $53,669 |
| RSL NSW Grafton Sub Branch | To replace the 2 plaques in the RSL's Wooli Cenotaph. | $5,408 |
| St George and Sutherland Community College Inc. | To install a flagpole and landscape plants in a new memorial garden at the College Campus. | $4,000 |
| The Council of the Municipality of Kiama | To install 2 new flagpoles at the Jamberoo School of Arts. | $2,000 |
| Valentine Public School Parents and Citizens | To install a flagpole at the Valentine Public School. | $2,000 |
| Western Riverina Arts Inc. | To commission 3 visual artworks including 3 digital media installations to commemorate service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans who served in wars. | $104,750 |
| TOTAL | $520,021 |
NORTHERN TERRITORY
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs RSL Sub Branch Inc. | To create a virtual museum that will include a website and podcasts. | $10,000 |
| TOTAL | $10,000 |
QUEENSLAND
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Australian American Assoc. QLD Division | To replace the original interpretive display of wartime images from the Battle of the Coral Sea. | $7,500 |
| Bluewater State School | To restore and revitalise the commemorative garden on the school grounds with Anzac themed plants and features. | $1,731 |
| Bulloo Shire Council | Thargomindah ANZAC Memorial River Walk - install a new memorial to commemorate all service personnel of the Korean War Armistice, WWI, WWII and Vietnam War. | $10,000 |
| Far North Queensland Legacy Club Inc. | To create a podcast series titled "Beyond the Uniform - The Untold Stories". | $13,870 |
| Hervey Bay Ingenia Home Owners Committee Inc. | To install a new memorial for military recognition since Australia's Federation. | $9,699 |
| Kiewa Sandy Creek Football Netball Club Inc. | Upgrade the existing Kiewa - Tangambalanga cenotaph and surrounding area. | $10,000 |
| Lutheran Church of Australia QLD District | To restore the Anzac garden at the Grace Lutheran College. | $5,000 |
| Lutheran Church of Australia QLD District | To install a flagpole in the college Anzac garden. | $2,000 |
| Mornington Shire Council | To restore an existing war and peace memorial, including a plaque and an old recovered propeller from a military airplane (Mosquito) crash. | $7,000 |
| Pyne, Teresa Sharon on behalf of the 6 Battalion Museum. | To install new cabinets at the 6 Battalion museum to assist in the display of memorabilia depicting Battalion history. | $10,000 |
| RSLA (QLD Branch) Mount Isa Sub-Branch | To install display cabinets in the Mt Isa RSL Sub Branch's new premises to showcase military memorabilia. | $7,583 |
| RSLA (QLD Branch) Stanthorpe Sub-Branch | To install 2 new memorials and a disability ramp. Rename an existing garden to the Stanthorpe Memorial Garden. Refurbish an existing 77mm Turkish Field gun and relocate to the memorial garden. | $91,754 |
| Swan Creek School of Arts Committee Inc. | To install an honour board to display the names of Vietnam veterans from the Swan Creek District. | $2,090 |
| Totally and Permanently Disabled Ex-Servicepersons Assoc. (Townsville) Inc. | To install 3 memorial steel park benches with art work commemorating the 3 services at the organisation HQ. | $10,000 |
| TOTAL | $188,227 |
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Playford Primary School | Restore existing bench seats in the remembrance memorial garden and reflection area. | $2,222 |
| RSL Care South Australia Inc. | To install military memorabilia display cabinets for Morlancourt Aged Care facility in Angle Park. | $7,841 |
| Broughton Plains Heritage Society | To construct a new war memorial at Nurom. | $10,000 |
| Copper Coast Council | To refurbish war monuments at Victoria Square in Kadina. | $5,367 |
| Marion Bay Township Inc. | To install 2 flagpoles at the memorial wall at Marion Bay next to the Museum. | $2,000 |
| Mount Torrens Soldiers Memorial Hall Inc. | To reinstate the flag pole and memorial feature at the 100 year old community owned Soldiers' Memorial Hall in Mount Torrens. | $7,000 |
| RSL Semaphore and Port Adelaide Sub Branch Inc. | To design, manufacture, and supply a multi-function display cabinet, including adjustable shelving and dimmable LED downlights. | $10,000 |
| RSL Semaphore and Port Adelaide Sub-Branch Inc. | To update memorial rolls and honour boards within the Semaphore and Port Adelaide RSL with names of past members. | $500 |
| RSLA Nuriootpa Sub Branch | To install 2 new display cabinets to allow items from campaigns/theatres such as East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq (both Gulf Wars), and the numerous peace keeping missions that Australian veterans have been involved in to be displayed. | $7,579 |
| School of the Nativity School Board | To restore a memorial garden to commemorate locals who served in the First World War. | $5,000 |
| Sedan Hall Inc. | Upgrade the flagpole at Sedan Hall. | $1,750 |
| Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia South Australian Branch Inc. | To install a memorial plinth on the Pathway of Honour in Adelaide. | $10,000 |
| Yaninee Public Hall Inc. | To restore the Yaninee Institute's honour roll in preparation for its 100th Birthday celebration in March 2025. | $8,500 |
| Yorke Peninsula Council | To build a Vietnam War Memorial Walk which will commemorate all Australian units posted to the Vietnam conflict. | $150,000 |
| TOTAL | $227,759 |
TASMANIA
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Kentish Council | To create and install a mural to commemorate locals that served during the First and Second World Wars. | $10,000 |
| Meander Valley Council | To construct a cenotaph to honour and remember Australia's service personnel. | $9,035 |
| Molesworth Primary School Assoc. | To install flagpoles and associated landscaping at Molesworth Primary School. | $2,000 |
| Northern Midlands RSL Sub Branch Inc. | Enhance a memorial garden at the Longford consisting of a plaque and seat to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel. | $9,500 |
| Sandra Rustell | To supply banners for Remembrance Days throughout the year. | $3,080 |
| Sheffield RSL Sub Branch Inc | Refurbish the existing Sheffield RSL Sub Branch honour boards located in the club foyer. | $3,025 |
| Southern Midlands Council | Install a plaque at the Melton Mowbray Park to commemorate Lt. Colonel John Hutton VC OBE. | $6,680 |
| Swansea RSL Sub Branch Inc. | To preserve and display a Second World War Changi POW Australian flag. | $13,815 |
| Weymouth Progress Assoc Inc. | To install a bronze plaque on a rock adjacent to the Weymouth Hall's flagpole. | $600 |
| TOTAL | $57,735 |
VICTORIA
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| Australians with Serbs Assoc Inc. | To produce a documentary about 1,500 Anzac medical volunteers and servicemen who served in the Serbian Campaign of WWI by focusing on 4 Australian women medical volunteers, 2 soldiers and their descendant's visit to Serbia. | $80,800 |
| Boroondara City Council | To restore and upgrade the St James Park Cenotaph in Hawthorn which is a historic monument commemorating Australian involvement in wars, adding conflicts post-Vietnam. | $10,000 |
| Buln Buln Primary School | To install 3 flagpoles at Buln Buln Primary School. | $2,000 |
| Clayton Tremlett | To create an art exhibition and publication titled ‘Immortals’ reflecting First World War digger memorials. | $14,085 |
| Ellinbank Primary School | Install three flagpoles and a memorial garden. | $7,000 |
| Lilydale Primary School | To install 3 flagpoles at Lilydale Primary School's Oval. | $2,000 |
| Marlborough Primary School | To install 3 flagpoles at Marlborough Primary School. | $2,000 |
| Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd. | To install a new flagpole within the existing Anzac garden at St Peter and Paul's School. | $1,947 |
| Montrose Township Group | To erect a statue commemorating Australian nurses who served in war. | $30,000 |
| Shrine of Remembrance Trustees | To create an exhibition detailing the history of the Catering Corps "From bully-beef to modern combat rations - a history of military food and catering". | $120,655 |
| St Augustine's School | Install two flagpoles to allow the school to fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to represent First Nations peoples. | $1,620 |
| Syndal South Primary School | To install 3 new flagpoles at Syndal South Primary School. | $2,000 |
| Talbot Soldiers Memorial Park Committee of Management | To install 3 new flagpoles at the Talbot Soldiers Memorial Park and construct a new walkway to the Cenotaph from the park gate. | $6,460 |
| The Man From Snowy River Tourist Assoc Inc. | To build a new memorial plaque and carvings at Corryong WW1 Honour Avenue. | $66,340 |
| Ultima Progress Association Inc. | To refurbish and conserve the Ultima War Memorial, including dismantling, rebuilding foundations, repair, and cleaning. | $10,000 |
| Wind & Sky Productions Pty. Ltd. | To create a digital exhibition and documentary marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 titled - "Indispensable. Australian service women in east and southeast Asia 1945-1955". | $143,409 |
| Wycheproof RSL Sub-Branch | To restore and re-paint a WW2 Military Gun, situated in Centenary Park, Wycheproof. | $4,000 |
| TOTAL | $504,316 |
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
| Recipient | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| City of Belmont | To install terraced seating and a stage for the City of Belmont War Memorial within the Faulkner Civic Precinct. | $10,000 |
| Jeffrey A Peirce | To publish a book highlighting the untold life stories of 33 First World War Nurses within connections to South West Western Australia. | $7,500 |
| Nyabing Primary School | To install flagpoles surrounded by a memorial garden in the school grounds. | $3,500 |
| Safety Bay Primary School | To install corten steel screens representing the Australian Defence Force branches and animals of war around the primary school's flagpole grassed area. | $7,220 |
| Sawyers Valley Primary School | To install flagpoles and develop a remembrance garden at Sawyers Valley Primary School. | $5,000 |
| Shire of Kondinin | To create a memorial garden in Hyden to commemorate locals who served in the First and Second World War. | $10,000 |
| TOTAL | $43,220 |