Armistice centenary funds
MORE than half a dozen local groups can bring their World War I commemoration projects to life thanks to a $45,000 funding donation.
RSL Clubs in Colac, Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads, Lorne and Torquay are among the seven recipients of grants to help the region commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.
The largest share of the funds – $13,500 – will see two honour rolls erected as part of the Ocean Grove War Memorial.
Lorne RSL will enhance its Anzac Memorial Park by relocating the flagpoles and planting a Lone Pine memorial tree thanks to a $9999 donation, while Torquay RSL will install commemorative seating fitted with engraved plaques at White Beach.
Thanks to the cash injection, Colac RSL will have a Remembrance Day service and artefacts display, Preceptory Inc will hold an educational event for Colac scouts and TPI Victoria Inc will host an exhibition at the Geelong RSL Club to honour Victoria Cross recipients from WW1 who had connections to the city.
In Torquay, Museum without Walls Inc is set to publish a book documenting 608 men and women from the Surf Coast Shire who served in WWI.
Under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program every electorate in Australia will receive up to $50,000 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the World War I.
“The commitment of organisations such as our local RSLs and Preceptory Inc ensures communities like ours can preserve our local history for future generations,” MP Sarah Henderson said yesterday.