Teddy Sheean Memorial Grants Program

STATUS: CLOSED

The Teddy Sheean Memorial Grants Program honours the sacrifice made by Edward 'Teddy' Sheean, as a representative of the many Tasmanians who gave their lives selflessly for others in the defence of our country during World War Two.

In June 1942 Teddy began his service as an Oerlikon anti-aircraft gunner on the newly commissioned corvette, HMAS Armidale. On 1 December 1942, Armidale was hit by two aircraft-launched torpedoes and began to sink. Sheean was wounded but rather than abandon ship, he strapped himself to his Oerlikon and began to engage the attacking aircraft as the ship sunk beneath him. He shot down two planes and crewmates recall seeing tracer rising from beneath the surface as Sheean was dragged under the water, firing until the end. He died aged 18 years. Only 49 of the 149 men on board survived the attack and subsequent ordeal on rafts and in life boats. Many consider that Sheean's actions deserved the Victoria Cross.

The Grants Program was re-opened in 2018-19 with $100,000 per year for three years. The Program will be administered in two grant rounds of equal value ($50,000 per round).

Funding Availability

The total funding pool for round 1 is $50,000.

• Grants of up to $10,000 are available for minor capital works and/or refurbishment.
• Grants of up to $5,000 are available for equipment purchases.
• Grants of up to $5,000 are available for the repair and maintenance of existing war memorials, and the construction of new memorials.

Eligible Organisations

Minor Capital Works and Equipment Purchases

Open to:

• RSL Clubs, RSL sub-branches and ex-service clubs and organisations.

War Memorials – Repair, maintenance and constructions

Open to:

• RSL Clubs, RSL sub-branches and ex-service clubs and organisations.
• Not-for profit organisations, local councils and schools:
  • These organisations must demonstrate that they are responsible for the maintenance of the memorial, and do not have a dedicated source of funding to undertake repairs; and
  • Higher priority will be given to organisations that demonstrate support (such as a letter of support) for the project from an RSL or ex-service organisation.

Grant funding cannot be used:

• for recurrent or operations costs including energy, water and sewerage, rates and taxes, insurance, communications and wages; or
• to offset current debt.

Successful applicants for Teddy Sheean Memorial Grants Program may be viewed here.

For further information, please contact Communities, Sport and Recreation by email at csrgrants@communities.tas.gov.au or phone on 1800 204 224.