Diggers to benefit from commemorative certificates

Family members of Queensland war heroes will be able to honour their legacy with a series of commemorative certificates that will also assist wounded soldiers.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said proceeds from the sale of two respectful death certificates would be donated to Soldier On, an organisation that assists wounded soldiers of today.

“Our Diggers put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. We honour and remember them, but it’s also important that we help them,” Mr Bleijie said.

“These certificates are ideal for the families of war heroes who wish to honour a fallen Digger in their family and they’ll also bring comfort to current soldiers who have been hurt in action.

“Soldier On is a highly regarded organisation that assists serving and non-serving defence force personnel who have been wounded in action.

“Five dollars from every commemorative certificate sold will be donated to Soldier On so it can continue its great work.”

Soldier On CEO John Bale said the money raised from the commemorative certificates would go directly towards the rehabilitation and reintegration of defence workers back into the community.

“We want to show the men and women of our defence forces that we have their backs, whether they chose to return to service or pursue a new course in life,” Mr Bale said

 “Our work is funded entirely by generous Australians, so these proceeds will ensure we help as many soldiers as possible through education and employment programs and personal support.”

Mr Bleijie said new families will also have the opportunity to remember the ANZACs through a specially produced birth certificate for new bubs born from 2014-2018.

 “The ANZAC Centenary is an important time for many people and the birth certificate marks the birth of an Australian legend as well as new life," he said

“The certificates were developed in consultation with the Returned and Services League, Australian War Memorial and the Federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs."

The certificates will be available throughout the four years of the ANZAC Centenary and more details can be found on the Births, Deaths and Marriages website: www.qld.gov.au/bdm

[ENDS] 25 April 2014 

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Jaime Wells 0409 624 139