Federal Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, today announced that projects to commemorate the Anzac Centenary in the electorate of Maribyrnong would be able to share in $100,000 in federal funding grants.

Mr Shorten said between 2014 and 2018 Australia would commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the First World War.

“The First World War and the original ANZACs helped forge our national identity and define our national character,” Mr Shorten said.

“$100,000 is being made available by the Gillard Labor Government to the electorate of Maribyrnong to help enable community groups to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women in the First World War.

“This is an exciting opportunity to obtain grant funding for special projects in the electorate which honour those who served in the Great War.

More information will be available soon on the Anzac Centenary website: www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.

“I encourage community and ex-service organisations to apply.”

Mr Shorten said examples of eligible activities under the Program include:

• public commemorative events;


• new First World War memorials or honour boards;


• the restoration of existing First World War memorials or honour boards;


• the preservation, interpretation and display of First World War wartime and military memorabilia and artefacts; and


• relevant school projects.

Mr Shorten said he would be working alongside a local committee to report on grant proposals and community projects.

“This funding is very welcome and will allow communities in Maribrynong  to decide themselves the way the Anzac Centenary can be best commemorated locally. It will also help ensure the Anzac legacy continues to be handed down to younger generations,” Mr Shorten said.

ENDS

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