Protecting The Legacy Of Victorian Veterans
16 May 2024
The Allan Labor Government is keeping the legacy of Victoria’s veterans alive for future generations, by maintaining memorials and upgrading community buildings right across the state.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman today announced the successful recipients of both the Veterans Capital Works grant program and Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour grant program.
The Labor Government is delivering $890,000 worth of grants to 34 community groups. The grants will support local organisations to conserve and maintain war memorials, honour rolls, update sites to reflect veteran service, and improve facilities and buildings in every corner of Victoria.
The Veterans Capital Works Program supports building and facility improvements for not-for-profit organisations, with this round of grants investing in 20 organisations across the state.
The Australian Catholic University will receive funding to create Victoria’s first-ever dedicated veteran students and family hub which will support veterans in their university studies, while Woodend RSL Sub-Branch will receive funding to upgrade their facilities.
The Restoring War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program is available to community groups to conserve and maintain war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour.
Fourteen organisations will receive funding under this program, including Ballan RSL Sub-Branch to restore the historic Barrys Reef WW1 Avenue of Honour, and Boroondara City Council to engage a conservation expert to assess the needs of the St James Memorial.
The Labor Government has made record investments of more than $60 million over the last four years that support and recognise veterans and their families.
These investments include the groundbreaking Veterans Card Victoria, the Veterans Employment Strategy, and the Recognition of Prior Learning Pilot in partnership with Wodonga TAFE.
For a full list of grant recipients and veteran grant programs, visit veterans.vic.gov.au/grants.
Quote attributable to Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman
“We’re restoring and upgrading memorials and community building – to preserve the stories, history and value of Victorian veterans and their loved ones.”
Quote attributable to Member for Greenvale Iwan Walters
"Veterans have given so much to our state and our nation, so that we might live in freedom and peace - monuments like the Westmeadows Memorial ensure their legacies live on for generations to come."
Quote attributable to Mayor of Hume Council Naim Kurt
"This grant will enhance the Westmeadows War Memorial, ensuring the legacy of the Anzacs who first trained in Broadmeadows and all veterans can be honoured by the Hume community for years to come.”