Funding to assist in the organisation of Anzac Day commemorations is being offered to local community groups throughout the region.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the Special Events Grants would be available to apply for until the end of February.
“Anzac Day is one of the most important days in the year and Council is committed to helping the community acknowledge our past and present servicemen and women with respectful services,” he said.
“I encourage committees and groups that hold services to apply for funding to help ease the financial strain on community volunteers.”
In 2021, five committees applied for and were awarded funding to help bring Anzac Day services, marches, and gatherings to the regional community.
The Elliott Heads Anzac Day Committee received $700 and used this towards the costs of a professional microphone and sound system for their Dawn and Memorial Services.
“It was $100 more than we received in previous years, and it’s always a great help because we are only a small group and all our money comes from fundraising,” said committee treasurer Ruth Mansfield.
“We’re all volunteers, and this has relieved us of a lot of work, not just financially, but setting up the sound system and arranging a generator at Submarine Lookout is all taken care of.”
In recent years, the Elliott Heads Dawn Service has grown to around 1000 attendees and the Memorial Service to around 500 attendees, said Ruth.
The sound system allowed official speakers, the Elliott Heads State School Choir and Bundaberg Christian College Band to be heard throughout the services.
The Burnett Heads Memorial Park Committee used $600 of Special Event Grant funding for donations towards their Anzac Day March and Service.
The TS Bundaberg Naval Cadets, Bundaberg Rum City Silver Band, Salvation Army Band, a trumpeter, and a padres all receive donations for their participation in the Burnett Heads ANZAC March, said committee secretary Sherilee Ramm.
“The funds go out to community groups and those that help to make the service more official and a proper procession to pay respect to our Diggers,” she said.
“We also give a donation to our local Lighthouse Hotel who put on an afternoon tea for all the veterans, servicemen and women and local dignitaries that attend.”
Sherilee is passionate about maintaining Anzac Day traditions as many members of her family have served in the military.
“It’s extremely important to honour the men and women for remembrance and paying respects, and these services are growing.
“Now that Memorial Park has been upgraded the services and the amount of people that attend is huge.
“It’s not just our community, it’s other community members that are coming here as well, people that are travelling here to partake in it.”
The Special Events Grant Program is for funding of up to $1000 and can also be used for Australia Day and Community Christmas Celebrations across three rounds throughout the year.
To apply for a Special Event Grant visit https://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/grants-funding
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