Veterans, families win government funding for support projects

THE Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre and Ballarat Legacy will receive a combined total of close to $43,000 of State Government funding to help pay for activities and services.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle this week welcomed an announcement of the grants by Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman, which are included in more than $1.5 million for veterans and their families through the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and Victoria Remembers Grant Program.

The assistance centre has secured grants totalling $17,990 from the two programs.

It will use the money to take professional photographs of veterans with their medals for a public exhibition next year; run inclusive social events – including at the Piano Bar – to support veterans who are part of the LGBTQI+ community; and continue local welfare support for veterans across the region.

The Legacy Club of Ballarat has received a grant of $24,900 through the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund to support the 2026 Ballarat Legacy Family Camp.

The camp offers an opportunity for Legacy families to connect, share experiences and spend time together in a supportive setting.

“The Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre plays a thoughtful and grounded role in the lives of many local veterans,” Ms Settle said.

“This support will help them share personal stories through photography, create inclusive spaces and continue their welfare work with real care.”

Of the Legacy funding, Ms Settle said: “Legacy Ballarat supports families who have carried the impact of service across generations

“The Legacy Family camp is a meaningful way for those families to come together and this funding will help ensure the 2026 camp continues that important tradition.”

The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund delivers more than $1.1 million to support 20 organisations focused on welfare and wellbeing for veterans, with grants of up to $150,000 for statewide initiatives and up to $50,000 for local programs.

More than $410,000 from the Victoria Remembers Grant Program will support 27 initiatives across the state that help communities commemorate service and strengthen understanding of Victoria’s military history.