Wide Bay will remember the service and sacrifice of our Australian Defence Force personnel through two grants from the Morrison Government’s Saluting Their Service commemorative grants program, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

“Gundiah Memorial Hall will receive $5,778 to install 50 framed photos including the stories of those who have served from the Gundiah area, ensuring the soldiers’ names, faces and bravery will not be forgotten,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Cooroy-Pomona RSL Sub-Branch will receive $10,000 to update the RSL’s Memorial Park, to provide a place where the service of Navy, Army and Air Force personnel can be acknowledged and remembered.”

“Both of these projects will help Wide Bay communities to commemorate the role that Australian servicemen and women have played in shaping the nation, and ensures the stories of those who have served from our region are preserved in our local community.”

Mr O’Brien congratulated the committees of Gundiah Memorial Hall and Cooroy-Pomona RSL Sub-Branch for their successful applications.

“Thank you to these valuable organisations who work tirelessly to ensure that our service personnel receive the recognition that they deserve, and thank you to all Australian service personnel for your service and sacrifice,” Mr O’Brien said.

More than $2.2 million in funding was provided through this round of the Saluting Their Service commemorative grants program. The Federal Government’s election commitment saw an increase in the Community Grants cap from $4,000 to $10,000 and this round of successful applicants will be the first to benefit from this.

The projects and activities will play an important role in educating future generations about the service and sacrifice of Australian service men and women, especially as the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on 15 August approaches.

“Australian service men and women for over a century have played a role in shaping our nation and protecting our freedom. These commemorations, projects and activities ensure their story is recorded for generations to come,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The grants help community groups and organisations continue their important work in commemorating our service personnel and support projects and activities which promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service.”

A list of all successful applicants can be found below. For more information on the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program visit the Community Grants Hub (www.communitygrants.gov.au).  Applications for the next round of grants are open now.

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.

I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.