Community Grants Funding Delivers Support for 5 Local Veterans Projects in 2026
Saltwater Veterans provides sailing days on Pittwater - Sailing For Connection, Healing & Growth. Photo supplied
Funding is provided to individuals, community groups, schools and ex-service organisations across the state, from Broken Hill in the far west, Bilambil Heights in the far north and the bordertown of Albury in the south.
Formerly known as the Anzac Community Grants Program, the 2025 round of the VCGP was the first delivered under a refreshed program design with more emphasis on funding projects that enhance veteran wellbeing, support recognition of the veteran community and events that acknowledge significant military anniversaries.
Successful applicants have been awarded up to $3,000 for projects that benefit both veterans and the wider community, including 24 educational institutions, 22 RSL sub-Branches and 9 other veteran organisations.
Grant recipients include the 2/30th Battalion A.I.F. Association who received $3,000 to assist with the commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Gemas.
The North Sydney RSL sub-Branch also received $2,400 in funding to support a series of safeTALK suicide awareness training courses to raise awareness about suicide and equip people will skills on how to take action when they encounter someone at risk.
Local Projects Funded
Local projects announced that will receive funding include:
Collaroy Tennis Club Incorporated: Collaroy- for Return Serve; $2,000.00
Return Serve is an event enabling Collaroy Tennis Club and the local community to show our gratitude for those who have served or are currently serving in the ADF. Launching in April 2026, Return Serve is for current and former Australian servicemen, servicewomen and their families. It will provide tennis for both able-bodied and wheelchair-bound Vets in a safe and welcoming environment. This will be a tiny step towards helping them transition to civilian life, helping to keep them fit and healthy (physically and mentally), while providing an outdoor social context for them. On the day, we'll be providing a circuit of activities including tennis, table tennis, Pop Tennis and more, catering for all skill levels and physical abilities. There'll be a BBQ and other food options, all provided in a festival-like environment with music and true camaraderie.
Avalon Beach RSL sub-Branch: Avalon Beach - for Replacement of the Ode Flame in Avalon Beach RSL Club; $1,441.00
At 6pm every evening at the Avalon Beach RSL Club, the lights are dimmed, the Ode Flame is illuminated, all patrons in the Club stand reverently facing the flame, the Ode is recited and one minute of silence then follows. This nightly commemoration is conducted to honour those who served and died to ensure the freedom of our country. Unfortunately, the current Ode Flame is old, does not illuminate correctly and is unrepairable. The replacement of this Ode Flame will benefit all patrons of the Club, veterans, members and guests alike, and restore the sanctity of this nightly commemoration. This project will acquire and install a replacement modern Ode Flame in the main area of the RSL Club.
Davidson High School Parents & Citizens Association : Frenchs Forest - for Creation of an Anzac Mural at Davidson High School; $3,000.00
The mural will serve as a lasting tribute to Australian service personnel, fostering understanding of service, sacrifice, and national history. It will provide students with a tangible way to engage with Australia’s heritage and support the development of respect, empathy, and awareness. This initiative will benefit students, staff, families, and the wider Davidson community by creating a prominent Anzac Mural within the school grounds.
Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project: Forestville - for Sail to Remember Them - A Commemorative Sailing Event; $1,000.00
Sail to Remember Them is a one-day active commemoration sailing event designed to modernise the way we honour service and sacrifice while strengthening social connection and wellbeing for veterans and their families. This event will take place in early April, combining a short, meaningful commemorative service with an inclusive sailing activity and refreshments afterwards. Hosted on the iconic waters off Manly, the day will offer opportunities for both solemn reflection and active participation in a relaxed, supportive environment.
North Sydney RSL sub-Branch: North Sydney - for safeTALK - Suicide Awareness for Everyone; $2,400.00
LivingWorks safeTALK is a four-hour training that equips people to be more alert to someone thinking of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. Using a simple yet effective model, LivingWorks safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference. Identified by the recent Royal Commission (RC) into Defence and Veteran Suicide, suicide is a major issue within our community. The aim of providing these courses is to not only educate and provide basic tools to help a person experiencing thoughts of suicide but to also breakdown the stigma attached to having such thoughts.
The full list of VCGP recipients and more information about the program can be viewed here: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/vcgp2025
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to honouring and supporting veterans and their families.
“The newly refurbished Veteran Community Grants Program provides funding for a wide range of exceptional projects and initiatives that allow communities across the state to acknowledge Australia’s military service history along with educating future generations and enhancing the wellbeing of the veteran community.
“Applications were received for projects across 98 NSW suburbs, within 61 Local Government Areas and 66 State electorates and this funding awarded will make a real difference for many of these communities.”
Kerry Gilbert, President, 2/30th Battalion A.I.F. Association said:
“Thank you to the NSW Government for this funding which will contribute to the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Gemas commemoration in 2027.
“This funding will help us bring together the descendants, families and friends of the men who served in the 2/30th Battalion and honour their service and sacrifice on this significant military anniversary.”
Bronte Pollard, Volunteer Advocate, North Sydney RSL sub-Branch said:
“On behalf of the North Sydney RSL sub-Branch, thank you to the NSW Government for this funding which will allow us to hold several safeTALK suicide awareness training sessions for veterans and their families.
“With these courses, we hope to not only educate and provide basic tools to help a person experiencing thoughts of suicide but to also breakdown the stigma attached to having such thoughts.”
Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch is a core community meeting point for Veterans who have served and currently serve. Photo: PON