Community projects will honour Queensland veterans

Thirteen community projects across the State honouring Queensland’s servicemen and women will receive funding under the final round of the Queensland Veterans’ Memorial Grants Program.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the successful projects in Parliament this morning.

“While we continue to traverse a path through a once-in-a-generation pandemic and its fallout, we can’t forget the challenges faced and achievements celebrated by an inspirational and revered group of Queenslanders who will always be heroines and heroes to our nation,” the Premier said.

“The very reason we live in a free and just democracy is due in large part to Australia’s veterans who have faced seemingly insurmountable odds, suffered terrible hardship and dug deep.

“Queensland continues to honour our veterans with a range of memorials and monuments, supported by the Queensland Veterans’ Memorial Grants Program which was established in 2018.

“Including today’s funding round, more than half a million dollars in funding has helped build and save 28 war memorials across the State under this program.

“War memorials are treasured and dignified sites for communities to reflect on the sacrifice and service of Queenslanders.

“It is important the memorials are preserved so that future generations can remember and honour the contribution of our servicemen and women.

“This fourth and final round of grants to projects under the Program includes the restoration of the heritage-listed Cunnamulla War Memorial Fountain, the Howard and Burrum Heads War Memorials and a suite of interpretive signage at King Point memorial site on Horn Island in the Torres Strait.”

Queensland Veterans’ Memorial Grants Program – Round Four Recipients:

• $40,000 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dedicated Memorial Queensland Inc to honour Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women.
• $30,057 - Anglican Parish of Kangaroo Point auspiced by the Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane for landscaping to enhance and connect the Naval Memorial and Canon Garland Memorial, Kangaroo Point.
• $23,219 - Baralaba and District Progress Association Incorporated for updating the war memorial by adding the names of servicemen and women.
• $15,020 - Fraser Coast Regional Council for the restoration of Howard and Burrum Heads War Memorials.
• $24,354 – Horn Island War Memorial Preservation Society Inc for interpretive signage and conservation plan at King Point memorial site, Horn Island
• $19,945 – Murweh Shire Council for inclusions and upgrades to the Augathella War Memorial.
• $20,000 - Naval Association of Australia Queensland Section to commemorate women who have served in the Royal Australian Naval Service, Royal Australian Naval Nursing Service and Royal Australian Navy.
• $40,000 – Paroo Shire Council for Cunnamulla War Memorial fountain restoration.
• $20,000 - Returned and Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Dayboro Sub Branch Inc to refurbish Dayboro Avenue of Honour commemorating local servicemen and women who served in the Second World War
• $10,768 - Returned and Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Roma Sub Branch Inc to manufacture two wooden wheels to complete the restoration of First World War trophy German Cannon No. 29
• $15,808 - Returned and Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Sandgate Sub Branch Inc to restore the Sandgate War Memorial.
• $14,185 - Tablelands Regional Council for Interpretive signage at Rocky Creek War Memorial
• $21,687 - Whitsunday Regional Council for the relocation and reestablishment of Proserpine Cenotaph

“My government not only acknowledges, supports and honours the efforts and sacrifices of our inspirational veterans, we value their ongoing role and contribution to our community,” the Premier said.

Other Palaszczuk Government initiatives and investment to support our veterans:

• $300,000 over three years has been provided to the Anzac Day Trust for support services for veterans.
• 610 veterans have been successfully placed in Queensland public sector roles through the Veterans’ Employment Pathway program between July 2018 and July 2020.
• Queensland now has a dedicated Office for Veterans in Ipswich which leads whole-of-Government coordination on veterans’ matters and enables veterans’ organisations to engage more closely with the Queensland Government.
• The Queensland Veterans’ Portal has been established to assist ex-ADF personnel to access veteran and family specific support services as well as wider community support services. 
• $4.3 million towards The Oasis Townsville, to provide a supportive environment for veterans transitioning into the Townsville community. 
• Half-price public transport for veterans by expanding the discount to the 19,000 Department of Veterans' Affairs White Card holders in Queensland under the age of 64. 
• $1 million grant to Legacy to provide ongoing support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ENDS

Media contact: Zoe Russell - 0439 982 347