Two local initiatives in the Calwell community have received Australian Government funding to help honour the service of local veterans, Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou said today.
Ms Vamvakinou said $3200 had been approved by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, as part of the Saluting Their Service commemorations program.
Saluting Their Service supports local projects that commemorate those who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations,” Ms Vamvakinou said.A $3000 grant will help the Maltese Australian Association to host a function at the Lakeside Banquet and Convention Centre, Taylors Lakes, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Malta GC and Convoys. While the Bridgewater Lake Estate Residents Committee will use their $200 grant to install a removable flagpole at the retirement village in Roxburgh Park, for residents to use on days of commemoration. Community and ex-service organisations can apply for funding to support a range of activities including building a community war memorial where none exists; improving security at existing memorials and repairing vandalism; or even recording the experiences of local veterans. “Saluting Their Service also helps fund special events commemorating significant wartime anniversaries which this year include the 70th anniversaries of Australian service in Greece and Crete during the Second World War, the 70th anniversary of the siege of Tobruk, the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam and the 60th anniversary of the battles of the Korean War.
“I am pleased the Australian Government has been able to support this project and I congratulate both organisations for their efforts in ensuring the contribution of our servicemen and women is honoured and remembered,” she said.
For details on how to apply for funding visit www.dva.gov.au/grants
