Flinders MP Greg Hunt visited the Village Glen on Friday to formally announce seven Anzac Centenary grants for the Mornington Peninsula.
Mr Hunt said he was delighted to present the awards, which would honour the nation’s war heroes.
“These grants present an opportunity for our community groups to honour our war heroes in a way that is fitting to the local area, whether it is by creating a memorial or event to commemorate a centenary since the start of World War I,” Mr Hunt said.
Village Glen Anzac sub-committee memorial co-ordinator Bill Connell said he was thrilled to have received the grant.
“The Village Glen Anzac sub-committee is delighted to have received the government grant of $3,000, which will enable us to proceed with our plans to erect a permanent memorial for the centenary of the Gallipoli landing,” he said.
“The memorial will comprise a large rock set with a plaque and will be erected at the entrance to our Clubhouse where we hold our annual Anzac Day Commemorative Service.”
Mr Hunt said the Centenary of Anzac would be the most significant national period of commemoration in our nation’s history.
“The Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program gives community members the opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice that epitomises the Anzac spirit,” he said.
“We have reason to be proud of the bravery and courage of our Australian troops. The loss of more than 60,000 Australian lives in World War I from a total population of less than five million at that time meant that few, if any, Australians were left untouched by the devastation of the war.
“Many soldiers returned home to resume their lives of work and family, even though they bore the scars of their wartime service, in body, mind and soul.”
Mr Hunt also paid tribute to the thousands of Australian women who gave war service in numerous diverse roles.
“These grants will serve to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac and preserve the memory of those who so valiantly fought for our country,” Mr Hunt said.
“It is fantastic to see local schools getting involved in the commemorations and honouring the spirit of the Anzacs through artwork and memorial plaques.
“Many of the projects awarded through the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program will become permanent tributes to those servicemen and women who were involved in WWI.
“I look forward to seeing them all completed.”
|
Organisation |
Grant amount |
Description |
|
Village Glen Residents Committee |
$3,000 |
To install a memorial plaque at the entrance of the clubhouse. |
|
Rosebud RSL Sub Branch |
$8,000 |
To build a memorial oblisk in the town centre. |
|
Dromana & District Historical Society |
$2,486 |
To produce a book entitled Lest we forget – the history of a village |
|
Rye RSL Sub Branch & Rye Historical Society |
$6,413 |
To create memorials for the Rye Cemetery and Rye RSL in the form of bronze plaques. To produce a book that provides biographical information on each individual from Rye who enlisted in WWI. |
|
Sorrento Portsea RSL Sub Branch |
$2,888 |
To create interpretive signage in Sorrento Park with a history of the Gallipoli campaign and the significance of the Lone Pine. |
|
Our Lady of Fatima Primary School |
$3,500 |
To commission an art piece to honour the soldiers who served in WWI |
|
Sorrento Primary School |
$1,000 |
To create a paved walkway that leads to a memorial plaque in memory of former students who served in WWI. |