Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Labor Senator for Victoria

Local organisations in northwest Victoria have received funding to commemorate the service and sacrifices of local veterans through the latest round of the Albanese Government's Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program. 

Successful applicants in the Mallee include Redcliffs/Irymple RSL and the Rural City of Mildura, and Cobram Barooga RSL and the Numurkah and District Historical Society in the Greater Shepparton region.  

The funding will go towards commemorating and celebrating local veterans, including the installation of three flagpoles at Kaniva College, and the restoration of the Irymple war memorial. 

Across Australia, more than $1 million in grant funding will be shared amongst 90 successful applicants. 

STS is an ongoing national grants program aimed at honouring the history of Australia’s Defence personnel, veterans, and their families. 

Applications for the next round of STS grants are open now, until 20 June 2024. 

Grants are available to a wide range of applicants, including ex-service organisations, community groups, schools and local councils.   

STS Grants come in two categories: 

• Community Grants: Up to $10,000 for local, community-based commemorative activities. 

• Major Grants: Between $10,001 and $150,000 for significant commemorative projects with national, state, territory, or regional impact. 

To find out more, or apply for a grant, visit www.grants.gov.au 

A full list of successful grants is included in the table below. 

Quotes Attributable to Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh: 

“Saluting Their Service grants support local communities undertake projects that recognise and commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel, veterans and their families.” 

“Many older communities around Australia have cenotaphs and memorials dating back to World War I, but as an ever growing country we need to ensure Australia’s history is understood, and modern conflicts, and the service of modern veterans is recognised.” 

“Australia’s service personnel come from all corners of our vast nation, this program ensures that the stories of local heroes are known, and recognised.” 

“There are several significant commemorations in 2024, including the 25th Anniversary of INTERFET and the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. I would encourage anyone thinking about a project commemorating these two significant events in Australia’s military history to apply.” 

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart: 

“Victoria has a proud history of service in the Australian Defence Force, and the grants awarded through Saluting Their Service are a crucial way of honouring our veterans and their families." 

“I’m proud the Albanese Labor Government is supporting veterans and veteran organisations in regional communities. This program supports organisations like the Redcliff/Irymple RSL to display wartime memorabilia donated by the community at the Military Museum.” 

“I know our community has a strong desire to honour our local veterans, so I hope that everyone with a potential commemorative project in the Mallee puts in an application for the current STS grants round, which close on 20 June.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans, Natalie Suleyman MP:  

“Victoria is grateful for the great sacrifice of our servicemen and women. Recognising their service and contribution through local, community driven projects such as these ensures their stories will never be forgotten.”