Queensland Anzac centenary campaign

Queensland’s most significant war memorial – ANZAC Square in Brisbane – will undergo a major refurbishment as part of a Newman Government capital works and events program to commemorate the centenary of the First World War between 2014-2018.

Premier Campbell Newman said the capital program would be supplemented by funding for a series of milestone commemorative events such as ANZAC Day 2015 and a community grants program for local projects and events across the state.

“This is one of the most important anniversaries of modern history, marking the period of the Great War, which claimed tens of millions of lives and left a huge emotional scar across the globe,” Mr Newman said.

“The Government will provide $49.3 million in funding for significant legacy projects and for many commemoration events and re-enactments around the state over the four years.

“This funding will mean the restoration and refurbishment of some important legacy projects such as ANZAC Square and support for events such as ANZAC Day 2015.

“There will also be a community grants program to support Queensland communities in delivering their own local projects and events.

“The Government has already shown its dedication to the Anzac tradition promising $1 million at the election to send 50 students to Anzac Cove and the Western Front.

“It’s appropriate that we also provide a level of support that allows this commemoration to be marked appropriately.”

“The Government’s involvement is being led by the Queensland Advisory Committee for the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary, which was established to ensure the contribution made by Queenslanders in war is recognised with dignity and honour.”

The $49.3 million consists of:

·         $26.4 million for Anzac legacy projects

·         $9.4 million for key commemorative events, such as ANZAC Day 2015

·         $13.5 million for the community grants program.

An additional $11.8 million has been committed as in-kind support by government departments and agencies to help deliver the centenary program.

Minister Assisting the Premier for Veterans Affairs Glen Elmes today also revealed the logo which will be used to identify commemorative events around the state during the four-year centenary period.

“The logo, featuring a sombre silhouette of five battle-weary soldiers on the Western Front, will be the face of Queensland Government-sponsored centenary commemorations,” Mr Elmes said.

“The Anzac Centenary logo will help create a unique Queensland identity and assist with the identification of official events to maximise the impact of the commemoration.

“We have created a logo which is easily recognisable and promotes the spirit of the Anzac tradition.

“It features fatigued First World War diggers trudging over a ridge line, representing the human sacrifice made by so many, far away from home.

“This is a real opportunity for Queenslanders across the state to engage in a variety of projects, programs and activities over the next five years.

"We want to give every community the opportunity to commemorate this important time in a way that’s significant to them.”

The Queensland Government is seeking proposals from community groups who want to get involved in commemorative projects and activities to honour the Anzac spirit in their local community.

Mr Elmes said the Government is looking for projects and events that commemorate our past and that will provide a legacy into the future.

Information about legacy projects, major commemorative events and the grants program is available on the Anzac Centenary website at: www.qld.gov.au/Anzac100.

[ENDS] 4 November 2013

Media Contact:          Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548

Editors’ Note:  Colour and black & white copies of the logo are available as Jpeg files.