New round of funding to remember Queensland veterans

The Palaszczuk Government has launched the second round of the $4 million Queensland Remembers Grants Program, helping ex-service and other not-for-profit organisations to honour Queensland veterans and their families.

The Premier made the announcement in Parliament on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, a day to remember the sacrifices of those who died and show our respect and thanks to the many Australians who served during our involvement in the Vietnam War.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the program would assist organisations to develop or upgrade infrastructure, while allowing Government to invest in new projects and events which recognise the broad contribution of veterans.

“Queenslanders continue to demonstrate their commitment to honouring our veterans and sharing their stories – always turning out in enormous numbers for Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative events throughout the year,” the Premier said.

“This year, Queenslanders have also acknowledged a number of significant anniversaries of the Second World War – including the 80^th anniversaries of the bombing of Darwin, the fall of Singapore and the Battle of the Coral Sea.

“The Queensland Remembers Grants Program is an important part of the Queensland Government’s efforts to ensure we appropriately honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who have served this country.

“By partnering with ex-service and not-for-profit organisations to fund key projects, upgrades, and events, we can continue to provide more support and recognition for our veterans.”

The program supports grants for the delivery of minor capital works such as repairs, maintenance or the purchase of equipment up to $50,000 per grant, as well as major capital works – including internal building refurbishments and accessibility upgrades – between $50,000 and $250,000 per grant.

Community grants up to $50,000 per grant are also provided, to assist eligible organisations with commemorative activities, events or projects such as the creation of new memorials, memorial gardens and avenues of honour.

In its first round, the Queensland Remembers Grants Program supported 25 recipients across the State, including funding to create a new War Memorial Park at Murgon, to upgrade the existing Roma Cenotaph and to restore buildings at the National Service Heritage Precinct in Wacol.

Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs Bart Mellish said the Queensland Remembers Grants Program builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s extensive investment in the veteran community. 

“Honouring veterans, recognising their extraordinary contributions, and ensuring the continued health and wellbeing of veterans and their families is important, ongoing work,” Mr Mellish said.

“Through the Office for Veterans, the Palaszczuk Government also provides support for ex-service organisations and ex-Australian Defence Force members – including a free TAFE training program, access to legal and employment support services, and funding for welfare services.”

The second round of the Queensland Remembers Grants Program is now open for submissions and will close at 5pm on 4 October 2022.

Successful recipients under round two of the Queensland Remembers Grants Program are expected to be announced in March 2023.

For more information, please visit www.qld.gov.au/remembersgrants.

ENDS

Media Contact:

Zoe Russell (Premier’s office) – 0439 982 347