Guy Barnett,Minister for Veterans' Affairs
ANZAC Day provides an opportunity for Tasmanians to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women and recognise the families and organisations who support them.
For many veterans and their families, ANZAC Day is the primary time each year that they catch up with friends and relatives in a mutual appreciation of their experiences and mateship.
With crowds allowed to return to ANZAC Day services tomorrow after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19, I encourage Tasmanians to take this opportunity to attend their local service and say thank you to someone they know who is a veteran, currently serving in the armed forces or the family member of a veteran or service member.
Their service and sacrifice has helped make this nation what it is today and is deserving of our gratitude.
This year is also the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the HMAS Armidale near East Timor and the incredible act of bravery by Latrobe's Edward 'Teddy' Sheean who died defending his shipmates from enemy attack whilst his ship sank beneath him.
The Tasmanian Government continues to recognise the valuable contribution of Tasmania's service men and women and is committed to supporting veterans and ex-serving members through the Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program.
Congratulations to the 12 organisations from across Tasmania who will receive a total of $50,000 funding from Round 2 of the 2021-22 Grants Program.
These grants fund small infrastructure repairs and maintenance, and/or equipment purchases for RSLs throughout Tasmania, as well as war memorial construction, repair and maintenance.
Some of the projects to receive funding include:
- Vietnam Veterans Association Tasmania - $3,000 for Veterans' Retreat at Lake Sorell;
- Sheffield RSL Sub Branch - $5,000 for kitchen benches;
- Geeveston Ex-Servicemen's and Woman's Club – $7,000 for refurbishment of committee/meeting and function room;
- Bridport Ex-Servicemen's and Community Club – $5,000 for floor covering replacement;
- Bicheno RSL Sub Branch - $3,500 for the restoration of its 25-pounder field gun, and
- Penguin District School - $5,000 for a Community Memorial and Reflection Garden.
A full list of the successful applicants is available on the Department of Communities Tasmania website at www.communities.tas.gov.au/csr
Lest We Forget
