Community grants commemorate ANZAC Centenary

The Newman Government has announced $13.5 million for a community grants program, as part of $49.3 million in overall funding for events and activities to commemorate the centenary of the First World War starting next year.

Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans Affairs Glen Elmes said funding would be available for communities across the state to commemorate Anzac centenary events of local significance.

“The Queensland Anzac Centenary grants program will provide funding of up to $80,000 for approved local commemorative events,” Mr Elmes said.

“The period 2014 to 2018 will mark the centenary of First World War campaigns which established Australia’s reputation as a dedicated and tenacious fighting force.

“It was also a period which began to define our young nation’s place in the world.

“That definition sprang from the deeds of local people from communities right across Queensland coming together as a nation.

“The community grants program will be the opportunity for communities to commemorate the role played by individual citizens or their community as a whole in Australia’s First World War effort.

“The grants will help communities stage events and commemorations with particular local relevance such as exhibitions, community education activities and the restoration or enhancement of memorials and honour boards.

“This program is designed to highlight stories of local diggers, uncover hidden knowledge and educate the community and commemorate our service men and women.”

Mr Elmes said that the remainder of the $49.3 million total funding consists of $26.4 million for Anzac legacy projects, and $9.4 million for key commemorative events.

Details of the grants program – including availability, amounts and application guidelines – are available from the Centenary of Anzac website: www.qld.gov.au/anzac100.

Applications for the first round of grants will close in March 2014.

[ENDS] 28 November 2013

Media Contact:          Peter McCarthy (0408) 835 548