The Australian Government is providing $7.5 million in grants for community activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Proposals are being sought for projects to mark next year’s Armistice Centenary ‘in a locally significant way’.
Applications open this month on November 11 – the 99th anniversary of the guns falling silent in 1918 – and will close at the end of February.
Australian members of parliament (MPs) have been asked to seek expressions of interest in their local area, with $50,000 available for each electorate, or constituency.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan said: “Australia paid a heavy price for its involvement in the First World War in terms of lives lost and casualties; more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.”
“The war had a significant impact on our country that is still felt today, not least the birth of the Anzacs and the Anzac spirit.”
Gallipoli Centenary: Wreaths laid at the Australian War Memorial in London during the Dawn Service on 25 April 2015 (Photo: Centenary News)
Mr Tehan is encouraging all Australians to contact their Federal MP with proposals for remembering the Armistice that ended the Great War on 11 November 1918.
Applications will be assessed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), to ensure they meet grants eligibility and other criteria.
Soldiers of the Australian Imperial Force fought in support of Britain at Gallipoli, on the Western Front and in the Middle East.
“The Armistice Centenary Grants Program will ensure the memory of those who gave so much in defence of our values and freedom live on,” Mr Tehan said.
Applications open on 11 November 2017 and close on 28 February 2018. See Call for Armistice Centenary Projects on the DVA website.
Also in Centenary News:
Australia pledges new Menin Gate Lions for Ypres.
Source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Australia
Images: Centenary News
Posted by: CN Editorial Team