IPSWICH organisations have been successful in obtaining more than $140,000 in Australian Government Saluting Their Service grants to honour local veterans.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the grants help to recognise the sacrifice of those who have served our nation during wars, conflicts and peace operations.
“We are pleased to provide more than $141,000 to groups in Blair that are working to preserve local wartime history and commemorate our service personnel, both past and present,” he said.
“It’s so important that the service and sacrifice of our veterans is acknowledged, and these grants will ensure community groups, ex-service organisations, schools and councils will continue to discover the military history of their local community.
“In 2023, we are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War with a program of events culminating in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day on August 18.
“I encourage any organisation thinking about conducting a commemorative project to mark this anniversary to apply for a Saluting Their Service grant, with applications for the current round now open.”
Federal Blair MP Shayne Neumann said that Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area had a proud history of military service, and congratulated Ipswich RSL Sub Branch and Ipswich City Council on their successful applications.
“Ipswich RSL Sub Branch received $131,619 in funding to upgrade the Ipswich Memorial Gardens to include nine new plinths, while Ipswich City Council has secured $10,000 towards the repositioning of the Redbank Plains War Memorial.
Saluting Their Service is an ongoing national grants program,
