Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that Torquay RSL Sub-Branch will receive funding to commemorate, support and remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
Ms Tierney announced $10,000 from the Commemoration and Education Grant Program would enable the Torquay RSL Sub Branch to conduct the Annual ANZAC Dawn Service at Point Danger in Torquay, which this year will focus on the Australian Light Horse, a major and significant commemorative event.
With over 15,000 people expected to attend, the Torquay RSL ANZAC Day Dawn service is the second biggest service in Victoria outside of the Shrine of Remembrance.
The event attracts many visitors from both intrastate and interstate and enjoys enormous input and support from many sectors of the local community, including the Torquay Historical Society, Geelong Military re-enactment group, Torquay Scouts and Guides and Torquay schools.
The Victorian Veterans Council’s Commemoration and Education Grant Program is available to community organisations, local councils and educational institutions.
Funding through this program supports communities in Victoria to commemorate the service of Victoria’s veterans and tell stories of Victoria’s war efforts.
Twenty eight projects across the state have been approved for a total of $216,502.
For more information on these grants or other veteran related initiatives, please visit: www.veterans.vic.gov.au/grants
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“The Surf Coast has a proud wartime history, and it’s important we give our veterans that did us proud the fitting support and tribute they deserve.”
“I have always been impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the Torquay RSL Sub Branch in organising this iconic event – the second biggest service in Victoria outside of the Shrine of Remembrance.”
“The services are extraordinarily atmospheric and moving and I am really pleased they have been able to secure funding from the Andrews Labor Government to assist them to undertake this project.”
“Victorians should commemorate the brave sacrifice of our servicemen and women every day. I am pleased to see community organisations doing their part to ensure the service of our veterans is never forgotten.”