Thursday, 6 June 2024

PROTECTING THE LEGACY OF VICTORIAN VETERANS

State Member for Eureka Michaela Settle MP and State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that Ballan RSL is the recipient of $29,675 under the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour grant program. This funding will go towards restoring and rededicating the historic Barrys Reef World War I Avenue of Honour by erecting information boards and historical markers.

The Allan Labor Government is keeping the legacy of Victoria’s veterans alive for future generations, by maintaining memorials and upgrading community buildings right across the state.

The Labor Government is delivering $890,000 worth of grants to 34 community groups. The grants will support local organisations to conserve and maintain war memorials, honour rolls, update sites to reflect veteran service, and improve facilities and buildings in every corner of Victoria.

The Restoring War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program is available to community groups to conserve and maintain war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour.

Fourteen organisations will receive funding under this program, including Moorabool Shire Council to create a preservation plan for the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour, and Boroondara City Council to engage a conservation expert to assess the needs of the St James Memorial.

The Labor Government has made record investments of more than $60 million over the last four years that support and recognise veterans and their families.  

These investments include the groundbreaking Veterans Card Victoria, the Veterans Employment Strategy, and the Recognition of Prior Learning Pilot in partnership with Wodonga TAFE.

For a full list of grant recipients and veteran grant programs, visit veterans.vic.gov.au/grants.

Quote attributable to Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman

“We’re restoring and upgrading memorials and community building – to preserve the stories, history and value of Victorian veterans and their loved ones.”

Quote attributable to State Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“Our veterans have given so much to allow future generations to live comfortably. It’s important that we preserve their legacy by restoring our community war memorials and Avenues of Honour, such as Barrys Reef.”

Quote attributable to State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas

“Congratulations to the Ballan RSL, installing information boards and historical markers on the Barrys Reef World War I Avenue of Honour is one small way we can show our gratitude and respect to our local veterans as well as preserving our history for future generations.”

Media contact: Tyler Proctor | 0432 841 767 | [email protected]