Federal Member for Blair and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Shayne Neumann, welcomed the expanded eligibility of the Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program.

Mr Neumann said the funding increase means extra opportunities for local projects in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs region to commemorate their local military heroes.

“The electorate of Blair boasts the largest Air Base in Australia, RAAF Base Amberley, and this program would be particularly important to help local veterans feel respected and proud of their service to our nation”, said Mr Neumann.

“I encourage people to review the new guidelines and apply for a grant to carry on the legacy of commemoration and ensure our veterans are respected and never forgotten”, Mr Neumann said.

The revised guidelines will see a shift in focus to conflicts post the First World War, and also mean projects such as documentaries, and digital projects such as digital honour rolls and podcasts, can receive funding.

There are two categories of grants available under the Program:

Saluting Their Service – Community Grants (STS-CG)

Grants to a maximum of $10,000 are available for local, community-based projects and activities.

Saluting Their Service – Major Grants (STS-MG)

Grants between $10,001 and $150,000 are available for major commemorative projects and activities that are significant from a national, state, territory and/or regional perspective.

The changes will take effect from the grants round which opens for applications on 7 November 2019.

For more information about the new guidelines, or to apply for a Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grant, visit the Community Grants Hub or GrantConnect web sites or contact Mr Neumann’s office on 3201 5300 or Shayne.Neumann.MP@aph.gov.au