Defence grants Townsville $150k for WWII tribute for VP80
Minister Matt Keogh will announce federal funding for Townsville’s Victory in the Pacific 80th anniversary commemorations during his visit to the city today, ending months of uncertainty over support for what organisers call the garrison city’s most significant event of the year
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The Federal Government has announced a $150,000 grant for Townsville’s Victory in the Pacific 80th anniversary commemorations, ending months of uncertainty over funding for what organisers describe as the city’s most significant event of the year.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh will make the announcement this morning during his visit to Townsville to observe Talisman Sabre military exercises.
The grant will support VP80 commemorations marking 80 years since Victory in the Pacific Day on August 15, 2025 – the day that effectively ended the Second World War.
The funding announcement comes after criticism of the government’s initial response to the city’s requests.
The Townsville Bulletin had previously reported that the Federal Government had been accused of showing “utter disregard” for Australia’s largest garrison city after ignoring calls for support over five months.
Townsville City Council’s VP80 commemorations will now proceed with federal backing, recognising the city’s crucial wartime role and the sacrifices made by service personnel stationed there during the conflict.
“Almost a million Australians – out of a population of just 7 million at the time – were enlisted to serve in the Second World War, both on the home front, and those deployed to fight overseas,” Mr Keogh said.
The minister emphasised Townsville’s strategic importance during the war years, noting the city’s role as both a defensive stronghold and launching point for Pacific operations.
“Townsville played a significant role in the defence of the home front, home to a strategic Allied air base and port, with the city coming under fire three times throughout WWII,” he said.
“This grant will support the execution of numerous events to both commemorate and celebrate the contributions made to the war effort by those based in Townsville.”
Mr Keogh stressed that the grants were not just about historical commemoration, but played a vital educational role.
“Grants like this are not just about preserving history but also educating local communities on their history of service, so the stories of local heroes live on for generations,” he said.
The minister highlighted the urgency of preserving wartime memories as surviving veterans age.
“As time marches on, it’s more important than ever that we safeguard the legacy of Australia’s veterans and families, who answered the call to serve when our nation needed them,” he said.
The VP80 commemorations are expected to attract thousands of visitors to Townsville, combining solemn remembrance ceremonies with community celebrations recognising the city’s enduring military heritage.
For more information visit: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-townsville/history-and-heritage/vp80
Originally published as Defence grants Townsville $150k for WWII tribute for VP80
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