As communities across the region gathered this week to honour those who served, several local organisations have received new funding to support veterans and their families under the Victorian Government’s Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and Victoria Remembers programs.
The Path of the Horse in Trentham will receive $50,000 for its Path to Recovery program, an equine-based mental health initiative designed to support veterans and their families. The funding will help expand access to the program, which uses therapeutic engagement with horses to promote emotional wellbeing and recovery.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said the grants give local organisations the power to care for veterans who served Australia and to help the community better understand the cost and value of their sacrifice.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman said the grants recognise both the service of veterans and the work of community organisations that support them. “As we pause this Remembrance Day to honour those who served, these grants support the wellbeing of veterans and their families through fantastic community programs that keep their legacy alive,” she said.
Other local recipients include the Macedon Ranges Group of Bendigo Legacy, which will receive $7,470 for wellbeing events for ageing Legacy widows, and the Gisborne RSL Sub-branch, which will receive $30,000 for welfare activities and member support. The Mt Macedon ANZAC Day Dawn Service committee will also receive $29,726 to support the 2026 dawn service.
More than $1.5 million has been allocated statewide through the two programs, which fund welfare initiatives, commemorative events, and education projects that preserve the memory and legacy of Australia’s service men and women.
A full list of recipients is available at vic.gov.au/anzac-day-proceeds-fund and vic.gov.au/victoria-remembers-grant-program.
This article is based on a media release from the office of Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.
