A project highlighting the contributions of Australian women in war, service, science and innovation has secured $145,000 in Federal Government funding as part of a nationwide program to preserve Australia's military heritage.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Hon. Matt Keogh MP announced that community organisations across Australia will share in $2.2 million through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, supporting 92 projects that honour the service and sacrifice of Australian veterans.
Among the successful recipients is One Giant Leap Australia, which has received $145,000 to develop a digital project titled From ANZAC Cove to the Moon: Australian Women Who Dare.
The project will create an online library profiling 30 Australian women whose achievements span more than a century, from women who served during the First World War through to modern leaders in engineering, aviation, science, cyber technology and Australia's growing space sector.
According to the Federal Government, the project aims to showcase the courage, service and innovation of Australian women whose contributions have helped shape both Australia's military history and its future.
The funding forms part of the Australian Government's broader commitment to preserving wartime heritage and ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women.
The Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program supports projects that commemorate Australia's involvement in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, while encouraging communities to engage with local and national military history.
Since its establishment, the program has funded thousands of projects across Australia, including memorial restorations, educational resources, exhibitions, historical research projects and commemorative activities.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh said the grants help ensure veterans' stories continue to be shared.
"The projects we are funding today help local communities large and small to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans for generations to come," Mr Keogh said.
For communities such as the Hawkesbury, which has a long military connection through Richmond RAAF Base and generations of local men and women who have served in Australia's armed forces, preserving military history remains an important part of community identity.
Local schools, historical societies, veterans' organisations and community groups regularly participate in Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations, helping younger generations understand the service and sacrifice of those who served.
The latest round of grants demonstrates the increasing use of digital technology to tell those stories, making historical records and educational resources accessible to a wider audience across Australia.
Applications for the 2026-27 round of the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program are expected to open later this year.
Community organisations interested in preserving local military history or developing commemorative projects are encouraged to explore future funding opportunities through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Hawkesbury's Proud Military Heritage
The Hawkesbury has a long and proud connection with Australia's military history, a legacy that continues today through veterans, serving personnel, defence families and Richmond RAAF Base.
Richmond RAAF Base
Established in 1925, Richmond RAAF Base is the oldest continuously operating Royal Australian Air Force base in Australia and remains one of the Hawkesbury's largest employers.
The base has played a critical role in military operations, humanitarian missions and disaster response for more than a century. It is home to the RAAF's air mobility fleet and has been central to flood relief, bushfire recovery and international aid operations.
Local Service and Sacrifice
Generations of Hawkesbury residents have served in conflicts ranging from the Boer War and First World War to contemporary peacekeeping and defence operations.
Names recorded on local memorials throughout Windsor, Richmond, Kurrajong, Bilpin, Wilberforce and other villages tell the story of a district that answered the nation's call in times of war.
The Windsor War Memorial, Richmond War Memorial and numerous honour boards in churches, schools and community halls continue to preserve these stories.
Anzac Day and Remembrance Day
Thousands of residents participate annually in Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services across the district.
Dawn services at Richmond and Windsor, school commemorations and community marches provide opportunities for younger generations to learn about the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women.
The Role of Local Historical Groups
Organisations including local historical societies, RSL sub-branches, schools and community groups play an important role in preserving military records, photographs and personal stories.
These groups often rely on grants and community support to maintain memorials, digitise records and develop educational projects.
Future Funding Opportunities
The Federal Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program supports projects such as:
• Memorial restoration and conservation.
• Historical research and publications.
• Educational resources for schools.
• Digital archives and online exhibitions.
• Community commemorative events.
• Recording veterans' oral histories.
Local organisations interested in preserving Hawkesbury's military history may be eligible to apply in future funding rounds.
