Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA099
Thursday, 26 November 2009
$303,000 FOR PROJECTS TO HONOUR AUSTRALIA’S VETERANS
Projects honouring Australia’s wartime heritage received a financial boost today with the
announcement of $303,708 in funding approved by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan
Griffin.
Mr Griffin said the funding for 110 projects is part of the Australian Government’s 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
Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations,” Mr Griffin said.
“Today, the Government is announcing funding for a range of projects 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.
“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
metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers).
Editors note: A list of grant recipients from each state is attached.
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.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
Saluting Their Service grants New South Wales recipients
Norfolk Island RSL Sub-branch will receive $1280 to help purchase a display case to house
and exhibit an escape hatch from an RAAF 38 Squadron Caribou aircraft in the club’s
military memorabilia area.
Kurri Kurri RSL Sub-branch will receive $3000 to help purchase display cabinets to house
wartime memorabilia at the club.
Brunswick Heads and Billinudgel RSL Sub-branch will receive $2240 to help install a display
case and secure gun display board at the club to exhibit wartime memorabilia.
The Royal Australian Navy Band Association will receive $2648 to help restore the band’s
parade drums used during the Second World War, for use at special commemorative
occasions.
Woy Woy Ettalong Hardys Bay RSL Sub-branch will receive $1320 to help replace the
wooden flagpole at the club for use on days of commemoration.
The Fairmile Association will receive two grants: $4000 to help install a memorial dedicated
to the Fairmile ships of the Royal Australian Navy at the Ship Memorial Precinct at RAN
Fleet Base East, Garden Island; and $1545 to help hold a plaque dedication service.
Merriwa RSL Sub-branch will receive $1050 towards a ceremony held in October
commemorating the 95th anniversary of the formation of the Light Horse Regiment.
The Illawarra Sub-branch of the National Servicemen’s Association will receive $4000 to
help upgrade and restore the Illawarra National Servicemen’s Memorial in Wollongong.
Batlow RSL Sub-branch will receive $3000 to help replace the tiling around the Batlow War
Memorial to improve safety for visitors.
Doyalson-Wyee RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help upgrade the Doyalson-Wyee
War Memorial by installing a glass fence and lockable gate to improve security.
The Operations Pilgrimage Group will receive $3000 towards a dedication ceremony held at
the National Maritime Museum on 11 November to commemorate the bell from the Krait,
which went missing in 1944 and was rediscovered in Queensland in 2008.
Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans and Associated Forces will receive $3000 towards a
ceremony held in August commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba at the
war memorial in Springwood.
The Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution will receive two grants: $1892 to help install a
flagpole at the Leeton Aged Care Facility; and $1114 to help install a flagpole at the Glen
Innes Aged Care Facility, for use on days of commemoration.
Riverina Vietnam Veterans Reunion will receive $3000 towards a reunion held on 7
November at the Wagga Wagga RSL commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Battle of
Binh Ba.
Harden Murrumburrah Historical Society will receive $480 to help replace the deteriorated
First World War Honour Board currently located at the Murrumburrah Folk Museum for
permanent display at the Harden Murrumburrah Historical Society rooms.
Moree Public School will receive $1804 to help restore the school’s honour roll which lists
the names of students who served during the First World War.
The Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia will receive $4000 to help install an Australian
Naval Aviation honour roll in the memorial garden at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra
Hill.
Young Historical Society will receive $410 to help restore two cabinets at the Lambing Flat
Folk Museum to display wartime memorabilia.
The Shoalhaven Sub-branch of the Naval Association of Australia will receive $1982 to help
transfer naval wartime memorabilia currently stored on VHS tapes to DVDs to preserve the
footage.
United Service Club will receive $3000 to help purchase five lockable display cabinets to
preserve and exhibit a collection of antique and veteran rifles dating from 1871 to the First
World War.
Merriwa RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help replace the uneven concrete and gravel
surrounding the Merriwa War Memorial to improve safety for visitors.
Ashfield RSL Sub-branch will receive $1100 to help replace the concrete border surrounding
the memorial to improve safety for visitors.
Chatsworth Island and Iluka RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help refurbish the Iluka
War Memorial including cleaning the memorial and installing lighting to deter vandalism.
Pottsville RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help install a nominal roll in Anzac Park,
Pottsville, listing the names of those from the district who have served in wars and conflicts.
Canley Vale Public School will receive $4000 to help restore a First World War honour board
at the school.
Narooma RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help replace the clock on the Narooma RSL
and Citizens War Memorial in the town centre.
St Joseph’s School Woodburn will receive $1000 to help students undertake a research
project with local veterans to mark the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Royal
Australian Air Force presence in Evans Head.
Coffs Harbour RSL Sub-branch will receive $1750 towards a ceremony and luncheon held in
July commemorating Indigenous veterans.
Lane Cove 12 Foot Sailing Skiff Club will receive $2500 to help refurbish the honour board
at the club in Longueville which lists the names of members who served in the Second
World War.
Illawong Public School will receive $2930 to help create a commemorative garden and install
a plaque at the base of the school’s flagpole dedicated to veterans from the district.
Taree Gardens Social Committee will receive $300 to help install a flagpole in the grounds of
the Taree Retirement Village for use on days of commemoration.
Parkes RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help restore the Parkes War Memorial and
improve security.
Gunnedah RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help relocate and refurbish the Breeza
War Memorial which is currently located on a busy highway, to ensure the safety of the local
community when attending commemorative ceremonies.
Manly Warringah Pittwater RSL District Council will receive $8531 to help apply a non-visible
wax coating to memorials located in Manly Warringah and Pittwater to protect them from
graffiti attack.
TS Manoora will receive $1300 to help erect a memorial wall in Taree dedicated to the Royal
Australian Navy and create a garden around the wall.
The New South Wales Police RSL Sub-branch will receive $3000 to help publish a
biographical dictionary of New South Wales police personnel who served in the Australian
forces during 1939-1945.
Saluting Their Service grants ACT recipients
The Merchant Navy Association will receive $245 to help purchase an Australian Red
Ensign to fly at the Merchant Navy Memorial in Kings Park, Canberra.
The ACT RSL Branch will receive $4000 to help upgrade the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander war memorial at Mount Ainslie. The upgrade will include stabilising the existing
gravel path and installing seating.
Saluting Their Service grants Tasmanian recipients
The Fairmile Association (based in NSW) will receive $2975 to help install a memorial at
HMAS Shropshire Naval Memorial Park at Ulverstone dedicated to Fairmile ships of the
Royal Australian Navy and all who served in them during the Second World War and hold a
plaque dedication service.
Dunalley RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help build a war memorial in Dunalley
dedicated to all wars and conflicts.
Judbury Progress Association will receive $678 to help renovate the Judbury War Memorial
and restore the lettering on the memorial.
Clarence City Council will receive $3000 to help install three plaques in Anzac Park
Lindisfarne to commemorate naval service in the Second World War.
The Tasmanian North West Branch of the Royal Australian Air Force Association will receive
$924 to help install internal bollards in the flagpoles at RAAFA Park in Ulverstone to prevent
vandalism.
Scottsdale RSL Sub-branch will receive $740 to help attach a plaque to the Scottsdale War
Memorial commemorating all Australian prisoners of war.
Saluting Their Service grants West Australian recipients
The City of Fremantle will receive two grants: $4000 to help install a plaque at the Fallen
Sailors and Soldiers Memorial at Monument Hill detailing the reasons for constructing the
memorial; and $3000 towards an inaugural luncheon held in September to commemorate
Battle for Australia Day.
Gosnells RSL Sub-branch will receive $2475 to help install a plaque at the Gosnells War
Memorial listing the names of local veterans who served during the Second World War.
Bencubbin RSL Sub-branch will receive $1650 to help construct a memorial in Beacon
dedicated to the five servicemen from the district who lost their lives during the Second
World War.
Canning Districts/Victoria Park RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help install fencing
around the Shirley Neil Memorial Garden and flag station to improve security.
Geraldton City RSL Sub-branch will receive $1780 to help replace the flagpole at the
Geraldton War Memorial with a vandalism resistant flagpole.
Toodyay RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help replace 26 commemorative plaques
missing from the Toodyay War Memorial dedicated to servicemen from the district who lost
their lives during the First World War.
Wagin District High School will receive $3000 to help students conduct a research project on
112 soldiers from the district who were killed during the First World War.
Wagin RSL Sub-branch will receive $3850 to help install a plaque on the Remembrance
Wall at the local high school dedicated to 112 soldiers from the district who were killed
during the First World War.
Saluting Their Service grants Victorian recipients
Ballan RSL Sub-branch will receive $2384 to help install a flagpole and lighting at the soldier
settlers commemoration area in Ballan to improve safety and help deter vandalism.
Thomas Carr College will receive $4000 to help relocate the Malay/Borneo Veterans
Memorial closer to the Information Centre in Tarneit to improve visitor access.
Australian National Reserve Diving Team Six will receive $2250 towards a commemorative
dinner held in November at the Melbourne Naval Centre to mark the 50th anniversary of the
formation of the diving team.
The 2/14th Battalion Association will receive $2557 to help install a plaque dedicated to the
battalion in the Sculpture Garden at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Maribyrnong Maidstone RSL Sub-branch will receive $788 to help install a plaque at the
Maribyrnong memorial dedicated to locals who served in the Vietnam War.
Fifth Linstock Nominees will receive $1595 to help install a flagpole at the Newmans Manor
aged care facility in Templestowe for use on days of commemoration.
Echuca Regional Veterans Support Centre will receive $1535 to help install a flagpole at the
centre to fly the Australian flag.
Christ Church Grammar School will receive $340 to help purchase a replica banner of the
2/14th Australian Field Regiment to be used by students on days of commemoration.
Bairnsdale Secondary College will receive $3000 to help construct a memorial in the school
grounds for use on days of commemoration.
The 1st Armoured Regiment Association will receive $1250 towards an event held in July at
the School of Armour in Puckapunyal to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of
Binh Ba.
Tobruk Street Primary School, Morwell, will receive $3000 to help produce a banner
featuring student-based research about the Battle of Tobruk.
Wycheproof RSL Sub-branch will receive $3390 to help restore the Wycheproof RSL War
Memorial in Centenary Park and install a plaque at the memorial dedicated to those who
served in the Vietnam War.
The Merchant Navy War Service League will receive $3000 to help install a glass cabinet in
the Western Port Oberon Submarine Association at Crib Point to display wartime
memorabilia.
Cohuna/Leitchville RSL Sub-branch will receive $500 to help install an honour board in the
Cohuna Memorial Hall dedicated to Australian men and women who have served in wars
and conflicts.
The Lighthorse and Field Artillery Museum will receive three grants: $4000 to help restore
two bronze honour boards dedicated to members of the Commercial Travellers Club who
served during the First World War; $2800 to help install a display cabinet at the museum to
house HMAS Yarra memorabilia; and $4000 to help restore an honour board dedicated to
employees at the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works who served during the First
World War.
Knox Remembrance Day Committee will receive $1350 to help restore the vandalised First
World War Memorial located in the Tim Neville Arboretum in Ferntree Gully.
The C Coy 2 RAR/NZ November 2009 Reunion Committee will receive $1750 towards a
reunion held in early November to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the company’s tour
of duty in South Vietnam.
Saluting Their Service grants Queensland recipients
Oxford Crest will receive $4000 to help establish a memorial garden featuring a flagpole and
memorial stone engraved with ‘Lest We Forget’ on the grounds of Oxford Crest Village in
Beachmere for use by residents on days of commemoration.
RSL War Veterans’ Homes will receive $3000 to help research and display 70 pre-Second
World War medals and badges donated by former residents of the RSL Care Fernhill
Retirement Community.
The Queensland Branch of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces National
Association will receive $1050 to help install a plaque at the Memorial Hall grounds in
Ipswich dedicated to the Australian contingent of the BCOF who were killed while serving in
Japan in 1945-52 and hold a plaque dedication service.
The Australian Defence Force Trackers and War Dogs Association will receive $803 to help
install two plaques in the gardens of the Royal Australian Regiment National Memorial Walk
in Enoggera dedicated to war dogs with overseas service.
The Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association of Queensland will
receive $4000 to help build a memorial in Tugalawa Park dedicated to the men and women
who served in the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers unit from 1945.
Mount Morgan RSL Sub-branch will receive $2387 to help preserve an Australian Flag used
during the First World War for permanent display at the club.
Springwood Tri Service RSL Sub-branch will receive four grants: $4000 to help build a
memorial at Rochedale State School; $3178 to help build a memorial at St Peter’s Primary
School in Rochedale; $3766 to help build a memorial at St Edward’s Primary School in
Daisy Hill; and $3178 to help build a memorial at Kimberley Park State Primary School in
Shailer Park. All four memorials will be dedicated to Australian servicemen and women who
have given their lives in defence of our country.
The 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment Corporation will receive $3000 to help
publish stories and experiences of those who served in the battalion.
Cairns RSL Sub-branch will receive $3000 towards the inaugural Battle for Australia Day
commemorations held at the Cairns Cenotaph in September.
Murweh Shire Council will receive $4000 to help upgrade the Charleville War Memorial with
four granite bollards and four statues depicting Australian soldiers at ease in the Catafalque
stance.
South Burnett Regional Council will receive $4000 to help construct two memorial walls
along the pathway to the Kingaroy Memorial Park Rotunda where plaques dedicated to
Australian servicemen and women and three flagpoles will be installed.
The Dayboro War Memorial Association will receive $3953 to help replace deteriorated
wooden bollards with illuminated bollards to protect the memorial and improve safety.
The Townsville and District Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia will
receive $4000 to help construct a memorial wall next to the National Servicemen’s Memorial
in Rowes Bay Park.
Pimlico State High School will receive $3000 to help develop an online teaching resource to
record a group of 40 students’ trip to war sites and cemeteries in Singapore and Gallipoli in
September.
Toogoom and District RSL Sub-branch will receive $4000 to help construct a memorial wall
in the Toogoom Memorial Gardens commemorating all Australian servicemen and women.
The Toowoomba Branch of the Royal Australian Air Force Association will receive $4000 to
help install a plinth and plaque at the Village on the Downs retirement facility in Harristown to
commemorate Second World War veterans.
Beerwah Peachester RSL Sub-branch will receive $850 towards a commemorative service
held in August to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba.
8th/9th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment will receive $4000 to help install a plaque
on the memorial located in the Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, dedicated to those of the 8th,
9th and 8th/9th Battalions who lost their lives while on operational and non-operational
service.
The South Queensland Branch of the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans
Association will receive $2420 to help restore the Windaroo War Memorial and improve
security and safety for visitors.
Eudlo State School will receive $3000 to help create a community remembrance garden at
the school dedicated to all Australian servicemen and women.
Beenleigh and District RSL Sub-branch will receive $2896 to help restore a 1958 Series 2
Military Landrover for use during commemorative events.
Saluting Their Service grants South Australian recipients
Semaphore Port Adelaide RSL Sub-branch will receive $3000 to help purchase 28 street
flags on flagpoles to be displayed during the Anzac Light On The Water event held in Port
Adelaide each year.
The South Australian Branch of the Association of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated
Ex-servicemen and women will receive two grants: $3000 to help restore, preserve and
display wartime memorabilia at the club premises in Richmond; and $3000 to help purchase
four glass image panels to provide a pictorial history from the First World War until the
present day.
Scholz Park Museum will receive $3000 to help install a display case at the museum to
exhibit wartime memorabilia.
The South Australian Branch of the 8th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment Association
will receive $4000 to help construct a memorial on the Pathway of Honour in Adelaide
dedicated to the battalion.
The 92 Wing 70th Anniversary Committee will receive $3000 towards a ceremony and dinner
held in September to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the formation of No 10 and 11
Squadrons.
The South Australian RSL Branch will receive $535 to help publish 30 copies of a booklet
detailing the service of 322 officers of the PMG Posts, Telegraphs and Telephone
Department of South Australia during the First World War.
The Georgetown Community Development Association will receive $4000 to help replace
two deteriorated Second World War honour rolls at the gates of the Second World War
Memorial Park, purchase a new honour roll to commemorate the Korean and Vietnam Wars
and remove several trees that are encroaching on the ceremonial area.
Walker Flat and District Community Hall will receive $4000 to help refurbish the local war
memorial.
The District Council of the Copper Coast will receive $4000 to help upgrade the surrounds of
the Moonta War Memorial.
The Blackwood and District RSL Sub-branch will receive $3710 to help restore the
vandalised Blackwood Soldier’s Memorial including replacing the bayonet on the rifle held by
the First World War soldier and restoring engravings.
Bute RSL Sub-branch will receive $3000 to help construct a large glass cabinet to house
and display wartime memorabilia.
NEWS 
