Supporting veterans

Veterans at Bunjil Place on Anzac Day, 2019.

Community groups are encouraged to apply for funding to ensure veterans get the support they need and that their stories and sacrifice are remembered for future generations.

Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane opened three funding streams aimed at improving the lives of veterans and ensuring their legacy lives on, with more than $1 million to be provided to successful recipients.

“We want to ensure that they are supported in every facet of their civilian life – and that their stories, their legacies live on for generations to come,” Mr Leane said.

Ex-service organisations, councils and community groups are encouraged to apply for funding under the three streams which include:

• The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund to assist with direct welfare support, such as living expenses, health and wellbeing, education and school expenses, transport costs and social activities.

• The Restoring Community War Memorials Program to restore or improve memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour around the state.

• The Victoria Remembers Program, which supports projects that honour or commemorate the service of veterans as well as educate Victorians about their contribution.

The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund has been bolstered this year to ensure RSLs and veterans impacted by coronavirus are supported.

In April, the Government pledged an extra $1.5 million to the Anzac Appeal’s fundraising target, which was significantly down on previous years due to coronavirus restrictions.

Applications for the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and the Victoria Remembers program will close on Friday, 31 August while the Restoring Community War Memorials program will close on Friday, 7 September.

Ex-service organisations, local governments, educational institutions and not-for-profit organisations are all encouraged to apply.

For more information or to apply, visit vic.gov.au/grants-support-and-commemorate-veterans.