With Remembrance Day around the corner, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is encouraging local groups to apply for grants that allow the community to better honour and acknowledge the service of veterans.

The fact that the Burdekin election is home to a significant number of veterans meant the new funding program offered a potential boost for a community whose track record for honouring veterans was among the best in the state.

“You only have to look at the number of people who attend events like Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans’ Day and Anzac Day to see that this community is extremely proud of our veterans,” Mr Last said.  “On a per capita basis our community had made a huge contribution to many conflicts and that fact isn’t lost on locals, regardless of age.”

“Unlike some countries, we don’t celebrate conflict; we commemorate and honour the brave men and women who serve.  I think it’s appropriate that, as a government, we provide funding that supports the community in making that commemoration possible.”

“Whether it’s a new memorial, refurbishments of existing memorials or activities and equipment, there is funding available to ensure we continue to honour our veterans.”

Mr Last said the Honouring our Veterans program was the first step in the Crisafulli government’s commitment to implement a Veterans’ Strategy.

“Queensland is home to more veterans than any other state in Australia,” Mr Last said.  “Our approach is to not only support the more than 160,000 veterans and one way to do that is to ensure the community can honour their service.”

“The strategy we are developing is not about duplicating existing services or taking over tasks from the federal government.  It’s about finding ways that the state government can provide practical support with practical measures to support their transition to civilian life for example.”

“We have begun in-person consultation with veterans and their families because getting the strategy right is vitally important.  The last thing that veterans need is another layer of bureaucracy or a strategy that makes big statements but delivers very little.”

“In terms of the current funding there is basically two areas that are currently being focussed on.  One is capital works projects like refurbishments, upgrades and new memorials and the other area of focus relates to activities and events that educate and raise awareness.”

“I’d encourage local groups and organisations to consider applying for funding and to think outside the square, especially if there is a need that they think is not currently being met.”

“The community groups that help us honour our veterans deserve this support but, most of all, our veterans deserve it.  I’m looking forward to seeing the applications from our community and for the positive effects that will have as we remember those who have given so much in our names.”