The Ripon community is benefiting from a significant Victorian Government investment in projects that support and honour veterans and their families.
The Victorian Government has announced more than $1.4 million in funding for 55 projects across the state
offering practical support for the veteran community, as well as commemorating their incredible contributions.
The funding is being distributed through three grant programs focused on veterans and their families.
Kingston Friends of the Avenue is one of 13 organisations to share in more than $324,000 of funding through the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grant Program, which funds projects that restore or improve war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour across our state.
Today, Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman joined Member for Ripon Martha Haylett at Kingston to meet with Friends of the Avenue committee members to celebrate the successful grant.
The group welcomed $46,509 to continue the restoration of the town’s Avenue of Honour – including removal and replacement of damaged trees along the Avenue, soil health remediation, the replacement of 27 plaques and installation of 15 plaque mounts.
Creswick-Smeaton RSL Sub Branch was one of 31 projects across the state to receive funding through the
Veterans Capital Works Grant Program, welcoming $33,830 to continue their work on building maintenance and access improvements.
There are also 11 organisations across the state receiving funding through the Victoria Remembers Grant
Program, which provides grants of up to $30,000 for projects commemorating veterans’ service or educating
Victorians about the contributions that veterans and their families have made.
Applications for Victoria Remembers are assessed by the Victorian Veterans Council, an independent body thatprovides advice to the Government on issues affecting the Victorian veteran community.
Quote attributable to Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman
“We’re proud to support projects that ensure veterans, and their families have access to modern, accessible and efficient facilities, and so all Victorians can pay their respects, learn about history and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP
“This funding will help ensure we continue to honour the service and sacrifice of the veteran community in Kingston and Creswick.”
“Our veterans have given so much to our rural and regional communities and these grants will help ensure their legacy lives on for generations to come."
