Grant to commemorate those who served

LAST week Portarlington and St Leonards Returned and Services League (RSL) received a grant from the federal government to help it aptly recognise the achievements of its members.

Portarlington and St Leonards RSL have been given $2,500 as part of the Saluting Their Service program to frame a display of Australian decorations and medals at Portarlington RSL.

Portarlington and St Leonards RSL president Barry Smith said the display would serve multiple purposes.

“It’ll educate current membership, but more importantly to educate some of the younger people in our community, including the primary schools in the areas of St Leonards and Portarlington.

“So, it’s there from an instructional point of, an educational point of view and also to have due recognition to those people who have been given those awards and campaign medals.”

RSL affiliate Berwick Military Medals will produce the display.

Mr Smith said having looked at other pieces Berwick Military Medals had produced he felt confident they would craft something of value.

“It’s a very, very good piece, very professionally done.”

More than $2.2 million of grants were given out as part of the nation-wide program.

Victorian Liberal senator Sarah Henderson said the grants would help preserve the history of those who served.

“These projects and activities will ensure that the service history is captured and preserved in our local community.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said projects such as the one Portarlington and St Leonards RSL are undertaking help.

“These grants will help community groups and organisations continue their important work in commemorating our service personnel and support those projects and activities which promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service.”