Armistice Day Centenary Grants

22 Sep 2017

Tamworth RSL Sub-Branch is gearing up for two big anniversaries in 2018 as the city marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day and a century since the formation of the sub-branch.

 

The Australian Government will provide $50,000 in grant funding for local community commemorations throughout the New England electorate for the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in 2018.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Armistice grants recognise an important date in our nation’s history.

 

“Next year Australians will pause and reflect on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“It is the day we honour the service and sacrifice of every Australian who served in the First World War and all those who have subsequently served.”

 

From a population of fewer than five million people, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.

 

Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914.

 

Every year on Anzac Day, the country marks the anniversary of day the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey.

 

Coinciding with the Armistice anniversary, Tamworth RSL Sub-Branch will also ring in its 100th year.

 

Sub-branch president Bob Chapman said the Federal funding will be a great boost to the region.

 

“It’s a wonderful concept,” Mr Chapman said. “Any funding of this regard to assist us to commemorate the occasion is greatly appreciated.”

 

Mr Joyce said up to $50,000 in total is available to organisations in the New England.

 

“I encourage groups in the New England to apply for funding under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program to mark this important milestone in Australia’s history,” he said.

 

Applications open 11 November 2017 and close 28 February 2018 and support projects or activities that commemorate the end of the First World War. Expressions of interest should be lodged with the New England electorate office prior to applications opening.

 

Members of Parliament will be required to consult community organisations or create a Community Consultation Committee, whose role will be to seek the community’s views on how best to commemorate the Centenary of Armistice. 

 

More information is available at www.dva.gov.au or by calling 1800 555 254.

 

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