More support for Queensland veterans via funding programs

Another $3 million has been announced for organisations which support veterans across Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said $1.5 million will be shared among 25 projects from the first round of the Queensland Remembers Grants Program.

And applications are now open for another $1.5 million from the 2022 Anzac Day Trust Grants Program and the second round of the Anzac Day Trust COVID-19 Grants Program.

“These programs emphasise Queenslanders’ respect for the men and women who have served our country, and their importance to our communities,” the Premier said.

The Queensland Remembers Grants are for capital works and community projects that enhance the support and services for ex-servicemen and women.

The 25 first round recipients include veterans’ support projects from Allora and Blackbutt to Ipswich and Longreach.

Projects include the upgrade of accommodation and facilities at Camp Gregory Veterans’ Retreat at Woodgate, upgrades to the Roma Cenotaph, the creation of a new War Memorial Park at Murgon and telling war widows’ stories through the Legacy Club of Brisbane.

“Communities throughout Queensland are ensuring that veterans are remembered and receive improved services through our funding,” the Premier said.

“We have committed $4 million to the Queensland Remembers Grants Program to support organisations to upgrade buildings and facilities, and to purchase equipment to offer more options to ex-servicemen and women and their families.”

The program allows ex-service and not-for-profit organisations that support veterans to apply for grants of up to $50,000 for minor capital works and grants between $50,000 and $250,000 for major capital works.

And it provides community grants of up to $50,000 to ex-service organisations, councils and not-for-profit organisations to create or restore memorials, avenues of honour, memorial gardens and deliver commemorative activities and events.

The Premier also announced applications have opened for the 2022 Anzac Day Trust Grants Program and the second round of the Anzac Day Trust COVID-19 Grants Program.

Anzac Day Trust Grants are for organisations which help ex-service men and women and their dependants with welfare visits and functions, educational bursaries or other services.

The COVID-19 Grants Program is to help veterans affected by the pandemic, and for COVID-safe events.

In 2021, $1.42 million was allocated to 186 organisations through the Anzac Day Trust Grants Program, and over $600,000 was provided to 68 organisations through the Anzac Day Trust COVID-19 Grants Program.

Previous recipients have included the Yeronga Dutton Park RSL Sub-Branch which delivered meals to the homes of aged, disabled and isolated veterans, and Young Veterans Australia who presented mental health programs and delivered meals and hospital care packages.

Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs Bart Mellish MP said these funding programs would assist ex-service organisations to provide ongoing welfare and support to veterans and their dependants.

“There are thousands of veterans in communities throughout Queensland and these grants will assist them to have a better life with assistance from the many ex-service organisations that operate throughout the state,” Mr Mellish said.

For the Anzac Day Trust grants programs eligibility guidelines and to apply for a 2022 grant, visit the Queensland Veterans’ Portal at www.qld.gov.au/veterans.

Online submissions close on the 15^th of May 2022 and successful applicants will be announced in November 2022.