Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured marching with veterans at the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia 70th anniversary reunion in Moree recently.
Local veterans may be eligible for national recognition for their military service under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said Certificates of Appreciation are issued as a national gesture of thanks to those who have served our country.
“Certificates of Appreciation are just one way that the Australian Government expresses its gratitude to those who have given so much in protecting our country’s interests and helping to restore and maintain peace around the world,” Mr Coulton said.
“We are grateful for the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by our veterans’ service to Australia.
“If you are eligible, or are a family member of a deceased veteran, I encourage you to contact my office to find out more about applying for a certificate.”
Certificates of Appreciation are available for veterans who have served overseas in Australia’s Defence Forces during the Second World War and in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations since, or on the home front during the Second World War.
Veterans, or family members of a deceased eligible person, are invited to apply for a certificate.
Applications can be submitted to Mr Coulton’s Dubbo electorate office at Shop 3/153 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 or via email to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au.
More information about Certificates of Appreciation, including the guidelines and an application form is available at www.dva.gov.au/recognition/certificate-appreciation or by contacting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
Meanwhile, Mr Coulton would like to remind eligible organisations that there’s just over one month left to apply for funding under Batch 2 of the popular Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.
“Dozens of worthy projects across the Parkes electorate have been funded under this program in recent years to support the preservation of our wartime heritage and I encourage all community groups to consider whether this grant opportunity may be suitable for any projects they may wish to explore,” Mr Coulton said.
Applications included in Batch 2 must be submitted by 9pm AEDT on 11 October 2022. Further information is available on the Community Grants Hub or the DVA website.