Three community projects across Gilmore will share in more than $20,000 under the Albanese Labor Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.
The grants aim to fund projects that preserve our wartime heritage, honour veterans in local communities and help Australians of all ages appreciate the sacrifices made in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips announced $10,000 for the Bomaderry RSL Sub Branch to upgrade the existing war memorial in Walsh Memorial Park.
“This is an important upgrade to the memorial and will include three benches for people to sit and reflect,” Mrs Phillips said.
“The custom benches will pay tribute to Navy, Army and Air Force personnel and will include the tributes ‘Lest We Forget’ and ‘We Will Remember Them’ to honour past and present defence members, their commitment and their sacrifice.”
The Kiama Jamberoo RSL Sub Branch has received $5,800 to restore the wheels on its Japanese cannon and build a new concrete platform for the gun in its new location on the main street.
“The project commemorates our service personnel by preserving a solid reminder of the challenges faced during wartime and the efforts made to defend Australia,” Mrs Phillips said.
“I’m really proud to help preserve this important piece of wartime equipment and to facilitate its move to a more prominent location.”
The Jamberoo Rural Fire Service will also receive a $5,524 grant for the installation of a new flagpole and landscaping.
“The area will be formalised for local commemorative and remembrance services to recognise the relationship between our emergency services and our defence personnel,” Mrs Phillips said.
Since its inception, the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has funded thousands of projects nationwide, creating lasting tributes in communities large and small.
The program is designed to support projects that commemorate our military history and ensure we continue to honour our veterans for many generations to come.
For more information about the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, including how to apply for the 2026-27 funding round, please visit the STS Grants website.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said the projects helped local communities large and small to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans for generations to come.
“Just as importantly, they bring people of all ages together to reflect on the impact of war and conflict on their local community,” he said.
“These projects often highlight lesser-known stories, shining a light on individual experiences and deepening our overall knowledge of our wartime heritage.”
Mrs Phillips congratulated the three organisations and said each of the projects would enhance memorials in the region and help educate younger generations about our war time history.
Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling provides free and confidential support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families. Help is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 (international: +61 1800 011 046 or +61 8 8241 4546) or visit www.OpenArms.gov.au
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with Bomaderry RSL members president Eric Lane, vice president Paul Lomax, secretary Neil Coysh and treasurer Rob McNeil at Walsh Memorial Park.
