A local initiative in the Maribyrnong community has received Australian Government funding to help honour the service of local veterans, Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten said today.



Mr Shorten said that $3000 had been approved by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, as part of the Saluting Their Service commemorations program.

“Saluting Their Service supports local projects that commemorate those who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations,” Mr Shorten said.

“This grant will help the Maltese Australian Association to construct 14 craft wood plaques representing the 14 merchant ships that made up 'Operation Pedestal' during the Second World War. The plaques have been planned for the 70th anniversary of 'Operation Pedestal' in 2012 and will be displayed during the commemorations at the Shrine of Remembrance.

“Community and ex-service organisations can apply for funding to support a range of activities including building a community war memorial where none exists; improving security at existing memorials and repairing vandalism; or even recording the experiences of local veterans.

“Saluting Their Service also helps fund special events commemorating significant wartime anniversaries which this year include the 70^th anniversaries of Australian service in Greece and Crete during the Second World War, the 70^th anniversary of the siege of Tobruk, the 45^th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam and the 60^th anniversary of the battles of the Korean War.

“I am pleased the Australian Government has been able to support this project and I congratulate Maltese Australian Association for its efforts in ensuring the contribution of our servicemen and women is honoured and remembered,” Mr Shorten said.

For more information about Saluting Their Service and how to apply for funding contact  visit www.dva.gov.au/grants

Suburbs in the Maribyrnong electorate include: Aberfeldie, Airport West, Albion, Avondale Heights, Brooklyn (part), Essendon, Essendon North, Essendon West, Kealba, Keilor East, Keilor Park, Maribyrnong (part), Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, St Albans (part), Sunshine, Sunshine North and Tullamarine (part).

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Media Contact: Kieran Barns-Jenkins (03) 9326 1300