Armistice Day Centenary Grants

NOVEMBER 13, 2017: $50,000 in funding will be available for local community commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in 2018, and I am now inviting groups to submit Expressions of Interest.Next year Australians will pause and reflect on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.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 we mark anniversary of day the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey.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.I encourage groups in my electorate to apply for funding under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program to mark this important milestone in Australia’s history.The grants program opens this month and supports projects or activities that commemorate the end of the First World War.A total of $50,000 is available to organisations in the Dawson electorate.Applications have now opened and my office is seeking Expressions of Interest. These must be lodged with my office by January 15, and a group of recommended project proponents will then be invited to complete an application for funding. Information on the grants has also been circulated widely to community groups, schools and local councils.A Community Consultation Committee formed by Mr Christensen will assess the Expressions of Interest and  provide input on how best to commemorate the Centenary of Armistice.More information is available at www.dva.gov.au or by calling 1800 555 254.