The Albanese Government is investing $2.2 million to preserve our wartime heritage and honour veterans in local communities across Australia.
Delivered through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, funding will go to 92 community-led projects aimed at helping Australians of all ages appreciate the sacrifices made in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations.
The Empire Bay Progress Association INC will receive $6,500 under the program for their project to recreate a memorial garden around the Empire Bay War Memorial.
Since its inception, the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has funded thousands of projects nationwide, creating lasting tributes in communities large and small.
The program is designed to support projects that commemorate our military history and ensure we continue to honour our veterans for many generations to come.
For more information about the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, including how to apply for the 2026-27 funding round, please visit the STS Grants website.
Quotes attributable to Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh:
“The projects we are funding today help local communities large and small to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans for generations to come.
“Just as importantly, they bring people of all ages together to reflect on the impact of war and conflict on their local community.
“These projects often highlight lesser-known stories, shining a light on individual experiences and deepening our overall knowledge of our wartime heritage.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP
“The Federal Government is committed to preserving our community places that commemorate our wartime heritage.
“I am pleased to see support go to the Empire Bay Progress Association and its project to enhance the Empire Bay War Memorial for future generations to appreciate, as well as to reflect on the men and women who carried the burden of service.”
Quotes attributable to Robert Thompson, Empire Bay Progress Association:
“The grant will be used to repair the sandstone edging and replace the dying rosemary. The rosemary was planted 12 years ago, and between natural aging, the occasional root damage from king tides and inconstant watering, the rosemary is not surviving.
“The grant funds will be used to replace the rosemary with a more resilient species (Coastal Rosemary), refresh the soil and install an automatic watering system. Local contractors will be used.”
Quotes attributable to Ken Shaw, Empire Bay Progress Association:
“As a cornerstone of our community, the Empire Bay Anzac Day ceremony is attended by dignitaries, residents, veterans and their families and local school children. These much-needed repairs will preserve our war memorial as a meaningful centrepiece for this important day.”
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