Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program

Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program 2024 - 25 Round Two

Status: Successful Recipients 2024-25 Round 2 are now listed below

Overview

The Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants 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.

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 Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program (the Program) will provide funds to Tasmanian ex-service organisations and clubs for minor capital works and equipment purchases and welfare initiatives for veterans. Funds are also available to a range of organisations for the repair and maintenance of war memorials, and for the construction of new memorials in Tasmania.

For the 2024 -25 Program, funding is administered in two grant rounds of equal value ($50,000 per round), subject to demand.

Successful Grant Recipients 2024-25

Previous Grant Recipients

Applicants who successfully applied for Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants may be viewed on the attachments below. The Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program honoured the sacrifice made by Edward 'Teddy' Sheean VC in World War Two.