TWO local schools have each received $2000 in funding to commemorate the service and sacrifice of local veterans through the latest round of the federal government’s Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program.
Bundalaguah Primary School and Yarram Primary School were recently successful in their application, and with both install three new flagpoles to commemorate service to country.
Across Australia, more than $1 million in grant funding will be shared among 90 successful applicants.
STS is an ongoing national grants program aimed at honouring the history of Australia’s Defence personnel, veterans and their families.
Applications for the next round of STS grants are open until June 20, 2024.
Grants are available to a wide range of applicants, including ex-service organisations, community groups, schools and local councils.
STS Grants come in two categories:
-Community Grants: Up to $10,000 for local, community-based commemorative activities, and;
-Major Grants: Between $10,001 and $150,000 for significant commemorative projects with national, state, territory, or regional impact.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP, said the program ensures that the stories of local heroes are known and recognised.
“Saluting Their Service grants support local communities undertaking projects that recognise and commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel, veterans and their families,” Mr Keogh said.
“Many older communities around Australia have cenotaphs and memorials dating back to World War 1, 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.
“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.”
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone, said the community has a strong desire to honour local veterans.
“Our community has a proud history of service in the Australian Defence Force and the grants awarded through Saluting Their Service are a crucial way of honouring our local veterans and their families,” he said.
“I’m proud the Albanese Labor government is supporting veterans and veteran organisations in our Gippsland community, and I’m thrilled Yarram Primary School and Bundalaguah Primary School have each received a $2000 grant to install three flagpoles.
“I encourage everyone with a potential commemorative project in Victoria to apply for the current STS grants round, which closes on 20 June.”
