The Tasmanian Government acknowledges the unique nature of military service and the sacrifice demanded of all who commit to defend our nation. We undertake to preserve the memory and deeds of all who have served, and promise to welcome, embrace and support all serving and ex-serving personnel as respected and valued members of our community.
Supporting Tasmania's veterans
The Tasmanian Government is committed to listening and responding to the needs of Tasmania’s veteran and ex-serving community.
Today, over 17,500 veterans and ex-serving personnel and their families call Tasmania home. Veterans bring the community and economy an incredible set of knowledge, skills, capabilities and experiences. We recognise this talent contributes to the growth of the economy.
Tasmanian Veterans' Employment Strategy
This strategy is a whole-of-government approach that demonstrates the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to providing veterans with employment opportunities across all levels and classifications of the Tasmanian State Service.
Veteran Wellbeing Voucher Program
This free program supports participation for veterans in activities for their health and wellbeing and to develop social networks.
The program is open to eligible Tasmanian veterans and an eligible partner or spouse of a former service member. They may apply for a voucher of up to $100 to put towards the cost of registration or membership fees at participating gyms and sporting clubs.
Gyms and sports clubs will also benefit by an opportunity to grow their membership and will be reimbursed for each voucher they accept. The program is open to gyms and clubs throughout Tasmania.
Veterans’ Reference Group
The Veterans’ Reference Group was established in 2019 and provides a link between Tasmania’s veterans and the Tasmanian Government. Members provide advice, information and insights about issues affecting veterans and their families, both locally and nationally.
The role and functions of the group are in the Veterans’ Reference Group Terms of Reference (PDF 89.5KB).
Grants and education programs
Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program
The Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program provides funds to Tasmanian ex-service organisations and clubs for minor capital works and equipment purchases and welfare initiatives for veterans.
The program honours the sacrifice made by Edward 'Teddy' Sheean VC, as a representative of the many Tasmanians who gave their lives selflessly for others in the defence of our country during World War Two.
Further information about the program is on the Service Tasmania website. If you would like to be notified when this program opens next, sign up to receive grant alerts via email.
Cameron Baird VC MG Scholarship
This annual scholarship is open to students intending to enrol in years 11 or 12 at any Tasmanian school or home education at the same year level. Up to two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded to further the recipients’ education.
The scholarship is named in honour of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG who was born in Burnie and joined the Army in January 2000. He was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), Royal Australian Regiment (now the 2nd Commando Regiment).
Corporal Baird was awarded Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross for the most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice during fighting in Afghanistan on 22 June 2013, as a Commando Team Commander in Special Operations Task Group.
Further information about the scholarship is on the Service Tasmania website. If you would like to be notified when this scholarship opens next, sign up to receive grant alerts via email.
Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize
The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize aims to educate students about Tasmania's rich military history, while ensuring the remembrance and understanding of World War One is passed on to new generations. The prize is open to all Tasmanian year 9 students, as well as students completing home education at the same year level.
The prize is named in honour of Frank MacDonald MM. Born in Ulverstone in 1896, Frank was Tasmania’s last World War One veteran and the last of the 40th Infantry Battalion raised in World War One. He was responsible for repairing signal lines between battalion headquarters and trenches and received the Military Medal for working courageously under heavy fire. He also served in World War Two and received the Legion of Honour in 1998. Frank MacDonald passed away on 23 August 2003 at the age of 107.
Find more information about the prize at the Department for Education, Children and Young People website.
Anzac Day trading
Find out about the regulations of Anzac Day trading in Tasmania.