Corangamite organisation, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads RSL Subbranch (OGBH RSL) is set to receive $1,300 to commemorate the service of local veterans and their families, thanks to the first round of the Albanese Government’s 2024-25 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

This funding will support the delivery of an installation of a wall mural at the Ocean Grove Bowling Club.

The OGBH RSL is one of 55 organisations from around the country sharing in more than $770,000 in funding for commemorative projects that help educate local communities on the defence of Australia, and our people at war.

The Saluting their Service program plays a key role in ensuring that the ongoing service and sacrifices made by Australian service people and their families are recognised and remembered.

The current grant round is open until 5 February 2025, for more information visit the Saluting their Service Grants Program website.

Quotes attributed to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs:

“I’m always so pleased to see organisations going above and beyond to pay tribute to those who have served from their community.

All over the nation, throughout our history, local communities have played a unique role in war and service, this program brings the realities of that Defence service to the fore.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker.

“I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government that is making sure Australia’s veterans get the recognition they deserve, and Corangamite’s proud history of service is remembered.

This mural will be a valued addition to the Ocean Grove Bowling Club, a resource for younger generations to learn from for years to come. I can’t wait to see it completed.

The Saluting Their Service Grants are another way the Albanese Government is working with community-led organisations like The OGBH RSL to support our local veterans.”

The grant announcement follows the Albanese Government’s introduction of legislation to simplify and harmonise Australia’s veterans’ rehabilitation and compensation system.

Under the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, all new compensation claims from 1 July 2026 will be dealt with under a single piece of legislation – an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) – regardless of when or where the veteran served.

The Albanese Government is also supporting veterans in Corangamite with outreach trials now underway for the Veterans and Families Hub. The Hub will be open to all current and former Australian Defence Force members, including reservists, and families.

The Hub is part of a $46.7 million 2022 Budget commitment by the Australian Government to establish eight new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.

For more information, please visit: Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs | Department of Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)