Funding for community ANZAC projects

Communities across Queensland can apply for funding from today for local events, projects and re-enactments to commemorate the centenary of Australia’s involvement in the First World War.

Minister Assisting the Premier on the Anzac Centenary Glen Elmes said the grants will provide an opportunity for communities to commemorate the role played by individual citizens or their community as a whole in Australia’s First World War effort.

Mr Elmes said the $13.5 million Anzac Community Grants program was part of $49.3 million the Queensland Government was devoting to Anzac centenary commemoration events and projects.

“The grants will provide funding of up to $80,000 for local projects to commemorate the centenary of World War 1,” Mr Elmes said.

“The centenary is an important opportunity to remember those courageous men and women who have fought and served in all wars, conflicts and peace operations and especially remember the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in service.

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

Mr Elmes said the Anzac Centenary was an opportunity to honour all of those who represented our country in battle and on the home front many years ago.

“Many of the state’s communities have their own Great War stories to tell and I’m sure other Queenslanders will want to hear those stories,” he said.

“We are looking forward to hearing Queenslanders’ ideas about how they would like to honour the Anzac spirit in their local community.

“It is important that we remember all that has happened in our past and that we also provide a legacy for the future.

“I look forward to working with communities to create that important legacy for generations to come in honour of those who sacrificed so much.”

Applications for this first round of grants will close in March.

There will be further funding rounds through the duration of the centenary period.

[ENDS] 12 February 2014

Media Contact:          Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548