A new Malinauskas Government grant program to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is now open, set up to support community initiatives that honour the sacrifices and contributions made by South Australians.
The new fund – one of the largest grant funds offered in Veterans SA’s history – provides up to $132,000 which will be distributed among successful applicants during one round in the 2024-25 financial year.
2025 will mark 80 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in World War II, on 15 August 1945, with Veterans SA opening the fund ahead of this significant milestone to support organisations to publicly recognise the historical moment.
Applicants can seek funding for eligible activities that honour and recognise WWII veterans, promote the identification or conservation of WWII heritage, and educate the community on South Australia’s involvement in the war.
Eligible organisations include registered not-for-profit community groups, ex-service organisations, local government authorities and schools. There is no minimum or maximum amount that organisations can apply for and projects may be fully or partially funded.
The new 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II Grant Fund is in addition to the annual ANZAC Day Commemoration Fund, which offers up to $100,000 in grants to deliver projects that help the veteran community, support commemorative services, and foster public understanding of the ANZAC spirit.
Golden Grove High School received support from the ANZAC Day Commemoration Fund to install a defence mural in 2022, paying tribute to those who have served and highlighting the school community’s strong connection to Defence families.
Almost one million Australians, both men and women, served during WWII, with 39,000 giving their lives and many civilians contributing to the wider war effort.
The 15 August 1945 date marks Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender – for Australians, it meant the Second World War was over.
Applications for the new fund are now open and will close on 30 June 2024.
Further information on how to apply is available at veteranssa.sa.gov.au/ww2-grant/.
As put by Geoff Brock
As the nation prepares to mark 80 years since the end of our involvement in World War II, South Australia is acting now to ensure this important milestone honours the sacrifice of all those who served during the war and reflects the significant role we played.
These new grants will support community initiatives that commemorate the historical moment while helping current generations learn more about and connect with the contributions of so many South Australians during this time.
I encourage organisations to apply for the funding so we can work together to preserve our military history and foster understanding between the past and present.
As put by Golden Grove High School Principal Peter Kuss
Golden Grove High School has a strong connection to military service and believes it’s important to teach our students about the ANZAC traditions and values.
We aim to uphold these traditions in our words and actions every day, and our school’s defence services mural further shows our respect for those who have gone before us.
We are grateful for the grant support we received from Veterans SA to commission the mural in 2022, as it continues to be a prominent feature within our school grounds.
