The NSW government has introduced grants for young people and multicultural communities who wish to take part in Anzac events. Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello announced the Anzac Community Grants program will help schools, community organisations and veterans’ groups to raise awareness of the Anzac legacy in the lead-up to the Centenary of the First World War (2014-2018).

“With more than a quarter of NSW residents being born overseas, we need to ensure that knowledge and respect for Anzac traditions are passed on to all young Australians,” Mr Dominello said.

“On Remembrance Day it is important that all Australians, including people from a multicultural background, embrace the Anzac spirit.”

Grants can be given for up to $5,000 from ex-service organisations, community groups, schools and other educational institutions, local government, museums and historical societies.

“These grants will ensure that the people of NSW, through commemorative and educational initiatives, can share in and honour the enormous sacrifices Anzac diggers have made throughout Australia’s military and peacekeeping history.

“We are particularly keen to support innovative projects that bring people of diverse backgrounds together, or that use the web and social media to bring the Anzac story into the 21st century,” Mr Dominello said.

“A primary school may have an idea to document families identified on the local war memorial, or an ex-service association may want to help veterans share their stories with people who have just arrived in Australia”.

Applications close on Friday, 8 March 2013. For more information and to apply, visit www.communities.nsw.gov.au.