The Crisafulli LNP Government is delivering more support than ever to ensure the memory of Queensland’s veterans is honoured and preserved for generations to come through the four year, $6 million Honouring Our Veterans Grants Program.
Returned Services League (RSL) sub-branches in Laidley and Kilcoy, along with Somerset Regional Council, have secured funding under Round 1 of the program.
State Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald has announced Returned Services Leagues in Lockyer and Somerset are set to benefit, with funding supporting vital projects to support veterans and their communities.
“The men and women who have served our nation deserve our utmost respect, support and honour,” he said.
“I am pleased to announce Laidley RSL and Somerset Regional Council were both successful in their funding applications.
“This funding will ensure our RSLs are well supported and the memory of our veterans’ service is enshrined for many generations.”
Somerset Regional Council were successful in their $68,707.29 grant for the Lowood Returned Services Monuments, Kilcoy RSL Sub-Branch will receive $42,904.86 for the Yowie Park Avenue of Honour, and Laidley RSL Sub-Branch were granted $28,556.40 to upgrade their centre.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said the funding would enable delivery of projects in honour of people who have served in the military.
“We’re grateful for the Crisafulli Government’s support of our project in Lowood for the relocation of an existing monument and anchoring a cenotaph in the new Memorial Plaza in Clock Park,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Lowood RSL Sub Branch was engaged by Council when selecting the monument types and we’re grateful for their support for this project.”
Cr Wendt congratulated the Kilcoy RSL Sub-Branch for their own success in the funding round.
“The RSL’s ‘Avenue of Honour’ will serve as a memorial to all who served in the military from the Boer War until present-day with 14 displays to be placed around Fred Greensill Lake at Yowie Park, Kilcoy,” Cr Wendt said.
“Our Council is proud to have supported this application.”
State Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington commended the Kilcoy RSL Sub-Branch on their project.
“The Kilcoy memorial project is an important tribute to the service and sacrifice of our veterans, and I’m proud to see this funding delivered to support the Kilcoy RSL’s vision,” she said.
Laidley RSL Sub-Branch president Neville Hayne said the funding would go towards interior and exterior painting of their centre on Laidley Plainland Road.
“It needs a coat of paint, and it needs a bit of repair work,” he said.
“It’s a big help because we’re self-funded.
“We’d never be able to do it if we had to rely on our meat trays and raffles.”
The investment forms part of the LNP Government’s $26.4 million commitment in the 2025–26 Budget to honour and support veterans and their families.
ENDS
