Two community organisations across Ipswich and the Somerset Region will bring new life to local military commemorations after securing a combined $17,500 through the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program.
At Ripley, the Ripley Valley State Secondary College P&C Association has been awarded $10,000 to enhance the school’s Anzac Place memorial and gardens. The project will see the installation of plaques and the construction of a new memorial, designed to create a more meaningful and engaging space for students and the wider community.
The upgraded site will feature interpretive signage, landscaping, seating and student-led commemorative artwork, helping to foster a deeper understanding of the Anzac legacy. With many local families having served or continuing to serve in the defence forces, the project is expected to strengthen connections between past and present generations.
The initiative will not only preserve wartime history but also highlight the experiences of more recent service personnel, ensuring their stories are recognised within the school and broader community.
In the Somerset Region, the Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch has received $7,500 to restore its commemorative Leopard Tank, a significant symbol of Australia’s military history and local service.
The two projects are among 72 community-led initiatives nationwide sharing in more than $1.3 million in funding aimed at preserving and commemorating Australia’s military heritage.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the grants reflect the strong connection between local communities and those who have served.
“Veterans come from towns large and small across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs, so it’s only right their stories are commemorated within their own communities,” Mr Neumann said.
“It’s fantastic to see communities across Blair finding new and meaningful ways to honour those who have served throughout history right up to the present day.
“These projects share a common goal — to ensure stories of service are understood and preserved for years to come.”
Since its inception, the STS Grants Program has supported thousands of projects across the country, helping shine a light on the contributions and sacrifices of Australia’s veteran community.
Ex-service organisations, community groups, councils, schools and individuals are encouraged to apply for future rounds of funding to support projects that acknowledge Australia’s military history.
