SUPPORT FOR HUNTER VETERAN COMMUNITY

Friday, 9 December 2011

Local initiatives in the Hunter electorate have received Australian Government funding to help honour the service of local veterans, Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon said today.

The Kearsley Community Dawn Service Inc will receive $3,300 to help erect a cenotaph outside the Kearsley Community Hall to commemorate those who have served in Australia's defence forces and the 4RAR/4 RAR Commendo History Room Inc will receive $3,000 to help install a cabinet in the Infantry Corps Museum, Singleton, to display the 4 RAR colours with the Unit Citation for Gallantry.

Mr Fitzgibbon said this funding had been approved by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, as part of the Saluting Their Service commemorations program.

“Saluting Their Service supports local projects that commemorate those who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Community and ex-service organisations can apply for funding to support a range of activities including building a community war memorial where none exists; improving security at existing memorials and repairing vandalism; or even recording the experiences of local veterans.

“Saluting Their Service also helps fund special events commemorating significant wartime anniversaries which this year include the 70th anniversaries of Australian service in Greece and Crete during the Second World War, the 70th anniversary of the siege of Tobruk, the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam and the 60th anniversary of the battles of the Korean War.

“I am pleased the Australian Government has been able to support these projects and I congratulate both organisations for their efforts in ensuring the contribution of our servicemen and women is honoured and remembered,” he said.

For more information about Saluting Their Service and how to apply for funding visit www.dva.gov.au/grants