Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has welcomed the nearly $30,000 in federal grants aimed to support commemorative projects across the electorate.
The financial backing is part of the Saluting Their Service grant program. It is designed to support initiatives honouring the contributions and sacrifices of Australia’s service personnel and their families through various wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
“This funding will produce meaningful projects which will allow people to remember and understand the service and sacrifices of Australia’s heroes,” Mr Birrell said.
“Locally, this funding will also help contribute to educating future generations about Australia’s wartime history.”
The grant beneficiaries within Greater Shepparton include the Shepparton RSL sub-branch, which received $10,000 for the restoration and upgrade of the Shepparton and District War Memorial, and Greater Shepparton City Council, which was allocated $3300 to restore honour boards at the Tallygaroopna Memorial Hall.
“I commend the passion and efforts of these groups in developing projects which allow local communities to come together and honour our heroic men and women,” Mr Birrell said.
Mr Birrell also encouraged community organisations, councils and schools to engage with the upcoming round of the grants program.
The program is open for applications, welcoming projects that foster an appreciation and comprehension of the experiences of service or that preserve and provide access to information concerning Australia’s wartime heritage.
Under the program, two categories of grants are accessible.
Community grants offer up to $10,000 for local, community-centric projects and activities.
For larger commemorative projects and activities bearing national, state, territory and/or regional significance, grants between $10,001 and $150,000 are available.
For more information, visit www.help.grants.gov.au