RSL receives funding to honour local service men and women

THE Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-Branch has received $13,637 to erect two honour rolls as part of the completion of the Ocean Grove War Memorial in Ocean Grove Park.

Federal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson visited the RSL Sub-Branch in Ocean Grove on Friday to officially present the federal government funding, which went to local projects acknowledging the 100th anniversary of Armistice.

“These grants have been designed to deliver local projects and activities to communities like ours, to commemorate Australia’s role in the First World War and pay tribute to service men and women and the Armistice Centenary,” Ms Henderson said.

“The commitment of organisations such as our local RSLs and Preceptory Inc ensures communities like ours can preserve our local history for future generations.”

Secretary David Gilroy said his RSL Sub-Branch applied for the funding after discovering there was no accurate record on the Bellarine of servicemen from Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and Connewarre who gave their lives and service to the country through World War I and World War II.

“We wanted to make sure we got one and will display an honour roll in the war memorial at Ocean Grove Park,” Mr Gilroy said.

Torquay Museum without Walls Inc also received $5,711 to publish a book documenting 608 men and women from the Surf Coast Shire who served in the World War I, and Torquay RSL Sub-Branch Inc received $4,500 to install commemorative seating fitted with engraved plaques and inlaid with poppies on the foreshore at White Beach.

Note: Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 4546).

VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam Veterans.