This fund continues to support community groups with their crucial work to preserve our military history and educate the wider public about the significant contributions and sacrifices made by South Australia’s veterans.
The Honourable Geoff Brock MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
South Australian community groups, RSL sub-branches and a regional council will receive vital Government funding for projects that support veterans and their families and honour South Australia’s military history.
Ten recipients, announced today, have been recognised through the 2023-24 Anzac Day Commemoration Fund, which offers grants to organisations who deliver initiatives that help the veteran community, support commemorative services and foster public understanding of the ANZAC spirit.
Up to $100,000 is available each year through the fund, which is distributed among successful applicants and administered by Veterans SA.
This year’s projects include new digital platforms to honour service men and women, funding for flagpoles and essential equipment for the conduct of ANZAC Day and other commemorative events, and installation of plaques and artwork paying tribute across regional SA.
The Wasleys Community Group Inc, in the Barossa region, is one of the successful applicants and will use their funding to dedicate a sculpture of an Army soldier resting on arms – ensuring the statue can be publicly displayed.
Affectionately named ‘Charlie’, the statue – currently in storage – will be moved and installed at the Wasleys Institute as a centrepiece for the town’s commemorative services, with the funding enabling a plinth to be built for Charlie to stand on.
The plinth will contain a time capsule for the township’s 150th year and feature plaques listing the names of people from the local community who have served Australia in military operations.
Donated by local artist Glenn Haar, Charlie was created in memory of the artist’s great grandfather Charles Henry Haar who served two tours during World War 1 and was sadly killed in action in Belgium in 1917.
Charlie also represents the deep respect for all service personnel, with gaps on the statue symbolising how those returning from conflict rarely return whole and are forever changed by their experiences.
For a full list of the 2023-24 grant recipients visit veteranssa.sa.gov.au/grants.
Quotes attributable to Geoff Brock
This fund continues to support community groups with their crucial work to preserve our military history and educate the wider public about the significant contributions and sacrifices made by South Australia’s veterans.
It’s heartening to see such diverse grant recipients – ‘Charlie’ is just one example of communities across the state committed to building the connection between the past and present while honouring veterans and their families.
Through the Government’s support, the service of former and current personnel will be seen and remembered by more people at not only ANZAC Day services and commemorative events, but throughout the year.
Quotes attributable to Wasleys Community Group Inc Secretary Melissa Bywater
The Wasleys Community Group Inc is grateful to receive this funding that will assist in providing a permanent fixture for our kindly donated sculpture ‘Charlie’ so members of our local community and visitors to our region can pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifice of local service men and women.
