Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans Affairs
VA064f
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
$2700 FOR NT PROJECT HONOURING AUSTRALIAS VETERANS
A local ex-service organisation in the Northern Territory received a financial boost today with the
announcement of $2750 in funding approved by the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Alan Griffin,
for projects honouring Australias wartime heritage.
Mr Griffin said the funding is part of the Australian Governments Saluting Their Service
Commemorative grants program to help communities across the nation honour and
commemorate our wartime history.
The grants will fund local activities and initiatives that recognise the service and sacrifice of the
men and women who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations, Mr Griffin
said.
The Northern Territory Branch of the Royal Australian Regiment will receive the $2750 grant for
a reunion and dinner held in June in Darwin commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Battle
of Binh Ba.
Today, the Government is announcing funding for a range of projects nationally including
restoring and displaying wartime memorabilia, upgrading community war memorials, purchasing
association banners and holding commemorative events.
In particular, helping regional and rural communities across Australia maintain their places of
remembrance is an important function of this grants program as these memorials play a central
role in honouring local sons and daughters who have served the nation.
Commemorative activities in local communities play a major role in encouraging Australians
especially younger Australians to learn about our wartime experiences and provide an
opportunity for veterans to share their stories.
Mr Griffin said todays funding is part of $379,000 to support 152 projects across the country.
Australia has a proud wartime history that has been part of the lives of so many Australian
families. The Government remains committed to honouring those who have served and
continue to serve, ensuring their legacy is remembered for generations to come.
Mr Griffin encouraged local community and ex-service organisations interested in applying for
funding to visit www.dva.gov.au or contact their nearest DVA office on 133 254 (for metropolitan
callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers).
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
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