The Victorian Government is calling for organisations to apply for funding to commemorate the remarkable contributions of the state’s veteran community or to improve facilities where veterans and their families gather to connect.
Minister for Veterans, Natalie Suleyman today urged organisations to apply for the programs. Applications close on 31 January 2023 across three grant rounds which are focused on supporting and honouring Victoria’s veteran community.
These include the Victoria Remembers program, which provides grants of up to $30,000 for projects which allow Victorians to commemorate the service of veterans or educate about their experiences.
“There is still time for Victorian organisations to put forward their ideas. These programs ensure that the sacrifices of veterans are remembered and understood across our state, through new projects or by restoring important existing memorials,” the Minister said.
“Support is also available for building projects that will ensure organisations that serve our veterans have modern and accessible spaces through which to do so.”
Applications for the program are assessed by the Victorian Veterans Council, an independent body that provides advice to the Government on issues affecting the community.
Previous recipients include Seaworks Foundation, which received funding of more than $11,000 in 2021 to create a new exhibition (pictured) in Williamstown educating visitors about the Navy and how significant the dockyards have been for the local area.
The project included the installation of interactive touch screens and interpretative panels, along with a display cabinet for navy ship models, all of which can now be viewed by visitors.
The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour program provides grants of up to $50,000 for projects that restore community war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour.
The City of Ballarat is among previous recipients of the program, receiving more than $15,000 in 2022 to restore two memorial avenues of trees – known as an avenue of honour – in their region.
The Veterans Capital Works program provides up to $50,000 for projects that improve buildings and facilities for organisations delivering vital services to veterans and their families. These projects may include works to ensure buildings are more energy efficient, modern and accessible.
“The projects supported by the Victoria Remembers grant program play an important role in building understanding about the experience of veterans and their families,” said Victorian Veterans Council Chair, Greg Yorke AM, CSC.
To learn more about these programs or apply for a grant, visit vic.gov.au/grants-support-and-commemorate-veterans.
