RAAF Association receives grant to commemorate local war history memorabilia

The Association has received $4,169 to help fund a display of No. 37 Squadron war history memorabilia for locals to appreciate and understand the service of local Australian military personnel.

Western Sydney Senator, Marise Payne, said the funding was important to commemorate Australia's international role in conflicts and congratulated the school in receiving the funding.

"Australia's servicemen and women have had a strong role in international conflicts and peace-keeping operations," Ms Payne said.

"These grants help support local communities remember the service and sacrifice of Australian military personnel and commemorate their role in shaping our nation.

"It is great to see No. 37 Squadron (RAAF) Association receive this funding to display their memorabilia and help preserve and commemorate the actions and achievements of our local servicemen and women.

No. 37 Squadron (RAAF) Association's President, Col Coyne, was glad to see the funding help support the Association preserve and commemorate their squadron's history.

"The No. 37 Squadron (RAAF) Association express our appreciation to the Federal Government and Department of Veterans Affairs Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program for funding the purchase of our display cabinet," Mr Coyne said.

"The cabinet, to be located in the 37SQN Headquarters at RAAF Base, Richmond NSW, will enable a visual display of historical squadron memorabilia ranging from 1943 - 48 World War Two operations through to current day warlike tasking in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO), where a 37SQN detachment has been deployed on permanent rotation for the past 17 years, since February 2003.

"The display will be vital to preserving the history of No. 37 Squadron's operations past and into the future. The financial assistance is very much appreciated by our self-funded, not for profit Association."

Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester said the projects and activities will play an important role in educating future generations about the service and sacrifice of Australian service men and women, especially as the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on August 15 approaches.

"Australian service men and women in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations for over a century have played a role in shaping the nation. These commemorations, projects and activities ensure their story is captured for generations to come," Mr Chester said.

"These grants will help community groups and organisations continue their important work in commemorating our service personnel and support those projects and activities which promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service."

More than $2.2 million in funding was provided through this round of the Saluting Their Service commemorative grants program.

Applications for the next round of grants are open now. For more information on the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program visit the Community Grants Hub (www.communitygrants.gov.au).