The Victorian Government’s War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grants Program funds both the planning and restoration of community war memorials across Victoria. Stage 1 supports documentation and planning, while Stage 2 funds conservation and restoration works. The program helps communities preserve heritage sites that honour veterans through responsible, high-quality conservation.

Victorian Government War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grants Program

The Victorian Government provides financial support to protect, conserve and restore community war memorials and Avenues of Honour. The program ensures local heritage sites are preserved with accuracy, respect and adherence to conservation standards.

Program Overview

The program operates in two structured stages:

• Stage 1: Planning Grants – Funding to prepare for conservation work

• Stage 2: Implementation Grants – Funding to carry out restoration and repair

This staged model strengthens the quality and success of heritage conservation projects.

Stage 1: Planning Support (Up to $10,000)

Stage 1 funds preliminary work required before restoration begins.
Eligible activities include:

• Conservation management plans

• Expert assessments by heritage professionals

• Cost estimates and project feasibility studies

• Permit applications and regulatory approvals

• Project timelines and staging documents

Project Duration: Must be completed within 12 months.
Note: Receiving Stage 1 funding improves competitiveness but does not guarantee Stage 2 approval.

Stage 2: Restoration and Implementation (Up to $30,000)

Stage 2 supports physical restoration and conservation activities that protect and enhance war memorials and Avenues of Honour.

Eligible work includes:

• Structural repairs

• Stone, masonry or metal restoration

• Landscaping, pathways or plaque rehabilitation

• Conservation treatments and heritage-aligned improvements

Project Duration: Must be completed within 18 months.
Applicants with detailed conservation documentation, clear restoration needs and secured permits are more competitive.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible entities must:

• Be seeking funding for an approved activity

• Have no overdue grant reports

• Hold an ABN or provide ATO confirmation of no withholding tax

• Be financially solvent

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organisations

• Incorporated associations

• Registered charities

• Other legal entities recognised in Australia

• Unincorporated groups (via auspice support or if they qualify as government entities or social enterprises)

Social Enterprise Eligibility

Social enterprises must:

• Demonstrate a mission connected to the welfare or wellbeing of veterans

• Provide their constitution

• Show evidence of their social-impact model (employment, community benefit or profit redistribution)

Core Requirement

All applicants must demonstrate that their primary activity supports the welfare or wellbeing of Victoria’s ex-service community.

Why It Matters

War memorials and Avenues of Honour represent community history, military service and collective memory.
This program ensures:

• Long-term preservation of significant heritage sites

• Accurate, respectful conservation work

• Support for local communities honouring veterans

• Protection of historic landscapes and monuments for future generations

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Verify organisation type, ABN status and alignment with program objectives.

2. Identify Project Stage
   Choose Stage 1 (planning) or Stage 2 (implementation) based on project readiness.

3. Prepare Documentation
   Include project scope, timelines, costings, permits and evidence of heritage needs.

4. Submit Application Online
   Apply through the Victorian Government grants portal during the open round.

5. Assessment
   Applications are evaluated on heritage significance, readiness, community benefit and alignment with conservation standards.

6. Funding Agreement
   Successful projects will sign a grant agreement outlining timelines, reporting and deliverables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications without required documentation or cost estimates

• Applying for Stage 2 without completing necessary planning or heritage assessments

• Failing to demonstrate alignment with veteran welfare or community benefit

• Missing ABN or taxation compliance requirements

• Overdue grant reporting from previous programs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to complete Stage 1 before applying for Stage 2?
No. However, applicants with completed planning documentation are more competitive.

2. What types of memorials are eligible?
Community war memorials, monuments, plaques, statues, commemorative structures and Avenues of Honour.

3. Can unincorporated community groups apply?
Yes, through an auspice organisation or if they meet eligibility as a government entity or social enterprise.

4. Are maintenance activities eligible?
Only restoration and conservation works are eligible, not routine maintenance.

5. What proof of solvency is required?
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability through recent financial statements or documentation requested during assessment.

6. Can social enterprises apply?
Yes, if their mission supports veteran wellbeing and they provide required governance and impact documentation.

7. Does Stage 1 funding guarantee Stage 2 funding?
No, each stage is assessed independently.

Conclusion

The Victorian Government’s War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grants Program ensures that historic memorials are preserved with dignity and professional care. By supporting both planning and implementation, the program empowers communities to safeguard these important heritage sites and honour the service of Victorian veterans for generations to come.