“It is my pleasure to congratulate the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on receiving $5170 from the Government’s Saluting their Service grants,” Flinders MP Greg Hunt said.
The museum received two grants, one for $2,250 to upgrade an honour board and a further $2,920 to create a 9RAR interactive display.
“These grants will contribute to telling the story of those Australians who served our nation in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations as we commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC,” Mr Hunt said.
“These projects highlight different aspects of our military history and will provide an additional place of commemoration to honour our servicemen and women.”
National Vietnam Veterans Museum CEO Andrew Kilsby said the grants will allow the museum to upgrade its displays and enhance the visitor experience.
“The National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island continues to upgrade its galleries and is especially mindful of the traditional close links to veterans and remembering those who died as a result of Vietnam service,” Mr Kilsby said.
“The grant to create a new and emotive honour board wall in the museum’s new Remembrance and Valour Gallery will be especially appreciated as the museum approaches Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations on August 18.
“The service of Vietnam veterans will be commemorated and remembered and it will also celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Australian Red Cross.”
Mr Kilsby said the second grant would allow for a new exhibit for the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (9RAR).
“The battalion served only one tour in Vietnam from November 1968, and was known as ‘the family battalion’ because of the high numbers of married soldiers in its ranks,” Mr Kilsby said.
“The grant will allow the battalion to tell its story through a mix of images, interpretive panels, life-sized diorama, artefacts and digital media.
“The 9RAR exhibit is being developed by veterans of the battalion in consultation with museum staff.”
Mr Hunt said the grants presented an opportunity for community groups to honour war heroes in a way that was fitting to the local area.
“More than $274,000 in grant funding from the Australian Government has recently been awarded to support projects of national significance that will honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women,” Mr Hunt said.
“Many of the projects awarded through the Saluting their Service grants program will become permanent tributes to those who served our country.”
Local community and ex-service organisations interested in applying for future grant funding rounds should visit www.dva.gov.au/grants or phone 133 254.
Media contact: Samantha Robin on 03 5979 3188 or 0427 787 166
Download the related file: 240614 Media Release – Saluting their Service.pdf