Armistice projects get federal funding

SEVERAL community groups across the Geelong region have received funding from the federal government to develop their project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of World War I.

Under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program, every electorate in Australia will receive up to $50,000 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, which will be officially marked on November 11.

In Corangamite, the following projects received grants:

• Colac RSL Sub-Branch: $3,320 to conduct a commemorative service on Remembrance Day and set up a display of WW1 artefacts
• Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-Branch: $13,637 to erect two honour rolls as part of the completion of the Ocean Grove War Memorial in Ocean Grove Park
• Preceptory Inc: $2,995 to hold an educational event to present age-appropriate content about WW1 to local scouts in Colac
• Lorne RSL Sub-Branch Building Patriotic Fund: $9,999 to enhance the Anzac Memorial Park in Lorne including the relocation of flagpoles and the planting of a Lone Pine memorial tree
• Torquay Museum without Walls Inc: $5,711 to publish a book documenting 608 men and women from the Surf Coast Shire who served in World War I
• Torquay RSL Sub-Branch Inc: $4,500 to install commemorative seating fitted with engraved plaques and inlaid with poppies on the foreshore at White Beach, and
• TPI Victoria Inc: $4,091 to frame images and display memorabilia for an exhibition at the Geelong RSL Club to honour Victoria Cross recipients from World War I who had local connections to Geelong.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson congratulated the successful recipients earlier this month.

“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,” she 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.”

The Geelong Surf Coast Regional Veteran Centre ($41,752) and the Torquay RSL Sub Branch Inc ($5,240) also received funding through the Building Excellence in Support and Training Grants to assist with the provision of advocacy services.