In 2025, South Australia is commemorating veterans with a significant increase in grant funding. This year, a record-breaking $328,000 has been allocated to this year’s Anzac Day Commemoration Fund and events marking the 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII. This initiative highlights a dedication to honour the sacrifices of the state’s servicemen and women.
The funding will be distributed to 40 different memorial, commemoration, and education programs. Ex-service organisations, community groups, and educational institutions are among the recipients. Each grant focuses on preserving and venerating the memory of those who have served.
One of the beneficiaries, RSL Care, received over $11,000. This money will be used to renovate a courtyard at the War Veterans Aged Care Home in Myrtle Bank into a place of reflection. The space will memorialise the Bangka Massacre, which saw the tragic killing of 21 Australian nurses.
Another recipient, the RSL Port Lincoln Sub-branch, was given $14,365. The funds are allocated for a mural project on two significant artworks. The first, titled ‘The Railway Place’, which portrays members of the 10th Battalion who fought in France during World War I and did not return. The second, ‘A Mother’s Story’ depicts the perseverance of a soldier’s mother in discovering her son’s fate.
Further initiatives include the restoration of the historic war memorial clock in Pinnaroo and a new memorial at the SA Aviation Museum. These projects aim to preserve the legacy of veterans and instil their values in future generations.
As South Australians honour Anzac Day, these investments make sure that the contributions of their veterans will not be forgotten. Additional funding for veteran-related projects remains available through the Veterans SA Capacity Building Grant Fund and the Veterans SA Commemorative Services Grant Fund, which closes on May 31st.
Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Veterans Affairs said, “Remembering those who serve and have served is our most important duty as a community. We thank veterans, and their families, for their extraordinary service. We dedicate ourselves to keeping the stories, and the lessons, or war, conflict and loss alive.”
Nathan Klinge, CEO of RSL Care SA shared, “RSL Care SA was grateful to receive funding from the South Australian Government to deliver our initiative that commemorates the sacrifice of the Bangka nurses, and provides a special place of reflection for our residents, staff and visitors.
“To have a courtyard dedicated to the nurses of this tragic military event is a beautiful and symbolic way of acknowledging their service and it also demonstrates how the legacy of nurses caring for soldiers and veterans lives on in the work RSL Care SA carries out each day.”
Gary Clough, President of the RSL Port Lincoln Sub-Branch Inc also shared, “Thanks to the South Australian Government we now have the opportunity to honour an important local story of those who served.
“Both murals have been completed and reflect the story of honour, sacrifice and mateship. We are hoping to have one mural animated with the view to making it a focal point of our celebrations and commemorations.”
These grants not only honour past contributions but also provide educational opportunities, building a more knowledgeable and inclusive society. South Australia continues to demonstrate a profound respect and appreciation for its veterans and their legacies.
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