12 April 2011 Veterans and ex-service people in Dickson will benefit from Saluting Their Service grant funding, Federal Member for Dickson, Peter Dutton said today.
“In Dickson the 5th/7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Association will benefit from $2,069 in Saluting Their Service grants.
“Saluting Their Service grants aim to highlight the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
“The grants also promote appreciation and understanding of the role that those who have served have played in shaping the nation.
“Saluting Their Service provides opportunities for communities, organisations and individuals to take an active role in commemoration and to ensure that the service of today’s Australian Defence Force is properly recognised.
Mr Dutton said these grants will enable appropriate acknowledgement and respect for the roles played by men and women from our local community who are serving or have served our nation.
“I am pleased that funds are still available to assist veterans’ organisations in our local community, especially as we approach the 96th anniversary of the ANZAC Landing.
“However, I am concerned that the Gillard Labor Government is yet to establish a budget to fund commemorative events associated with the Centenary of the ANZAC landing in 2015.
“Our local community will play a part in commemorating this important event in our nation’s history. However, with the Government yet to establish a budget to fund events, many organisations in our community simply don’t know whether there will be any financial assistance available to help with coordination of local commemorative events”, Mr Dutton said.