The Victorian Government has announced more than $1.4 million in funding for 55 projects aimed at supporting and commemorating Victorian veterans and their families.
The projects funded by these three grant programs will have a significant positive impact on the veteran community in Melbourne and regional areas of Victoria. These will enable veterans and their families have access to modern, efficient facilities. Ensuring that their service is properly honoured and help create a better future for those who have made sacrifices for their country.
Veterans Capital Works Grant Program
The grants will fund 31 projects through the Veterans Capital Works Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $50,000 for facility upgrades for not-for-profit and ex-service organisations.
Equine therapy service, Path of the Horse, has been granted $50,000 to construct a covered area at their facility. This new area will enable the organisation to work with more veterans while maintaining privacy.
Several RSL Sub-Branches and other organisations will receive funding to install solar panels, which will help to reduce their power costs and redirect savings to veteran services. The Moyne Shire Council will receive $50,000 to plant 105 trees in remembrance of World War I. The original trees had to be removed following damage after a significant wind event in early 2022.
To view the full list of recipients, please visit the Veterans Capital Works Grant Program webpage.
Victoria Remembers Grant Program
The 11 organisations will receive funding through the Victoria Remembers Grant Program. Assessed by the Victorian Veterans Council, this program provides grants of up to $30,000 for projects commemorating veterans’ service or educating Victorians about the contributions that veterans and their families have made.
One of the recipients is the Museum of Chinese History which will receive $20,250 to create a range of videos about the stories of Chinese Australians who served during World War I and World War II.
The Trafalgar Holden Museum will receive $30,000 to restore and preserve a Wackett trainer aircraft. The project will display the first Australian designed aircraft to see major service in the RAAF and tell the story of Sergeant Leonard Victor 'Len' Waters, Australia’s only Aboriginal fighter pilot during World War Two.
To view the full list of recipients, please visit the Victoria Remembers Grant Program webpage.
Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grant Program
A further 13 organisations will receive funding as a part of the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grant Program. This program is available for community groups to conserve and maintain war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour, or to change them to better reflect veteran service in their community.
To view the full list of recipients, please visit the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grant Program webpage.