The Malinauskas Labor Government has provided a boost to commemorative initiatives across the state, with 21 community projects set to benefit from the 2025-26 Anzac Day Commemoration Fund.
An initial $100,000 fund allocation has been strengthened through additional funding, allowing a total of $138,059 to be distributed to community groups, schools, councils and ex-service organisations state-wide.
These grants ensure communities can continue to share stories of service, honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice and help younger South Australians understand the significance of Australia's military history.
Regional communities will see historic sites restored including the Spalding WWI Memorial Grandstand and the original war memorial flagpole in Orroroo.
New remembrance spaces such as the memorial planned for Mallala Memorial Park will further strengthen community connection, and a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flagpole at RSL Elizabeth Sub Branch will provide greater recognition of indigenous veterans and service at future events.
Youth and community driven projects also feature strongly this year. The Fulham Sea Scouts will create a permanent outdoor mosaic honouring service and sacrifice and students at St Columba College at Andrews Farm will benefit from a new permanent Defence service medal display.
In the state's south-east, the Limestone Coast Veterans' Hub will create a decorative rug, adorned with purple poppies and created by local community members. The rug will be worn by a donkey to parade in Anzac Day marches in Mount Gambier, sparking conversations and highlighting the important role animals have played in war service.
Together, these projects ensure the stories, values and sacrifices of our service personnel and those who support them continue to be remembered and shared with future generations.
As put by Chris Picton
South Australians have a deep respect for our veterans and we're proud to expand this year's funding to support even more community-led initiatives across the state.
From regional towns restoring local memorials to schools and community groups developing new commemorative projects, this funding is bringing communities together.
The Anzac Day Commemoration Fund ensures these important stories are preserved and shared, helping younger generations understand the legacy of those who served.
Anzac Day Commemoration Fund Grant Recipients 2025-26
Organisation |
Grant amount |
Grant funding purpose |
Spalding War Memorial Committee Inc |
$18,450 |
Restoration of the WW1 Memorial Grandstand in Spalding including removal of salt‑damp damage, installation of a damp course, stone replacement, repointing and internal plaster repairs to preserve its heritage. |
Macclesfield RSL Sub-Branch |
$17,500 |
Installation of five mural panels in the Macclesfield ANZAC Memorial Gardens to honour local service across major conflicts and create an educational walkway. |
413 Army Cadet Unit Pipes & Drums |
$15,510 |
Replacing 50 Scottish dress uniform sets with new Mackenzie Seaforth tartan items in three stages to support ceremonial duties and honour the Unit's heritage. |
Kapunda RSL Sub-Branch |
$14,400 |
Renovation of a disused room at the Kapunda RSL to create a dedicated space for displaying memorabilia from conflicts that have impacted Australia and the Kapunda district. |
Apex Club of Keith |
$14,000 |
Restoration of the Keith Avenue of Honour, including new plaques and replanting 22 trees to preserve the legacy of 85 fallen local soldiers for future generations. |
Mallala RSL Sub-Branch |
$12,878 |
Creation of a new memorial in Mallala Memorial Park to honour Australians who served in all wars and conflicts, expanding beyond the existing WWI town memorial. |
Legacy Club of South Australia & Broken Hill Inc |
$10,000 |
Launch of The Centenary Podcast, the first stage of the Legacy Club of SA & Broken Hill's Centenary Project – a podcast series capturing authentic stories and experiences from Legacy's beneficiaries and descendants ahead of its 100‑year anniversary in 2028. |
Hilton RSL Inc. |
$7,800 |
Provision of in‑house audio equipment to enhance delivery of veteran talks to local schools and the public as part of commemorative and educational programs. |
Two Wells Regional Action Team |
$4,567 |
Enhancement of Dawn Service at Two Wells by purchasing four new speakers and installation of permanent solar garden lights and path lighting to improve visibility and ambience during commemorative events. |
The Partners of Veterans Association of Australia South Australia Branch Inc. |
$4,240 |
Community event for Veterans' Families Day on 15 May, recognising the important role of families in supporting veterans. |
Wilmington Progress Society |
$3,630 |
Replacement of the existing ANZAC commemorative bench in Wilmington's Memorial Park with a new design that reflects key aspects of military service. |
District Council of Yankalilla |
$3,500 |
Installation of a secure internal halyard flagpole at the HMAS Hobart Memorial located in Lady Bay, enabling lawful display of the Australian White Ensign on commemorative days. |
Trojans Trek Foundation Limited |
$2,950 |
Commemorative art installation and seat honouring Graham 'Moose' Dunlop's pioneering contributions to veteran mental health and recognising his role in founding Operation Flinders and Trojans Trek. |
Mount Barker High School |
$2,910 |
Enhancement of the school's memorial path by adding two commemorative bricks, commissioning WWI and WWII service sculptures, and restoring archival displays to honour former student service members. |
RSL Elizabeth Sub-Branch Inc |
$1,495 |
Installation of a new flagpole to fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside existing flags, acknowledging indigenous veterans during key commemorations. |
The Scout Association of Australia - SA Branch on behalf Fulham Sea Scouts |
$1,398 |
Creation of a permanent outdoor mosaic at Fulham Scout Hall to honour Australian service members. |
District Council of Orroroo Carrieton |
$814 |
Restoration of the original flagpole at the Orroroo War Memorial on the main street, where annual commemorative services are held. |
Wakefield Regional Council |
$660 |
Replacement and installation of memorial signage across the Wakefield region to reduce vandalism and ensure sites are treated appropriately. |
St Columba College |
$620 |
Creation of a permanent educational display with replica ADF service medals and interpretive signage to honour service members and support remembrance. |
Robertstown Primary School |
$482 |
Revitalising the school's ANZAC commemorative amphitheatre with new plaques. |
Limestone Coast Veterans Hub - Military Advocates SA Inc |
$255 |
Creation of a commemorative purple poppy rug for a donkey to wear in Mount Gambier's ANZAC marches, honouring and raising awareness of animals who served in war. |
