These grants help schools, volunteers and regional organisations bring history to life in ways that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of the sacrifices that shaped our nation.
South Australians will see an exciting boost to local commemorative initiatives, with 21 community projects set to benefit from the 2025-26 Anzac Day Commemoration Fund.
Initially allocated $100,000, this year’s fund was strengthened through additional funding to a total of $138,059, to be distributed to community groups, councils, ex‑service organisations, schools and volunteer‑driven associations across the state.
The annual grants program helps communities preserve stories of service, pay tribute to those who gave their lives and ensure younger generations understand the enduring significance of Australia’s military history.
Veterans SA Director Bianca Wheeler said this year’s projects demonstrate the vital role community‑led initiatives play in strengthening military history education across South Australia.
“When younger generations learn about our military history through hands‑on, community-driven projects, those stories become real, relatable and enduring,” Ms Wheeler said.
“These grants help schools, volunteers and regional organisations bring history to life in ways that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of the sacrifices that shaped our nation.”
Among this year’s recipients is the Limestone Coast Veterans Hub, which will create a symbolic decorative rug embellished with purple poppies and made in collaboration with local community members. The rug will be worn by a donkey during Anzac Day marches in Mount Gambier, an engaging reminder of the important role animals played in wartime service.
Several regional sites of significance will be restored or enhanced, including the Spalding WWI Memorial Grandstand and the original war memorial flagpole in Orroroo. A new memorial space planned for Mallala Memorial Park aims to deepen community reflection, while RSL Elizabeth Sub Branch will introduce a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flagpole, ensuring greater visibility and recognition of First Nations veterans at future commemorative events.
Projects targeting youth participation feature strongly in this round. The Fulham Sea Scouts will install a permanent outdoor mosaic honouring service and sacrifice, while students at St Columba College in Andrews Farm will soon have access to a new permanent display showcasing defence service medals and their stories.
Preserving stories for the future also remains a central theme, with the Legacy Club of South Australia & Broken Hill set to produce a centenary podcast series. The project will capture first-hand stories and reflections from Legacy beneficiaries and descendants ahead of the organisation’s 100th anniversary in 2028.
Together, these initiatives ensure that the stories, values and sacrifices of Australia’s service personnel continue to be honoured, remembered and shared.
View the full list of Anzac Day Commemoration Fund 2025-26 recipients.
Learn more about the Anzac Day Commemoration Fund.
Photo: South Australian army personnel
