Otago organisations have received $246,610 to commemorate the centenary of World War 1.
The Mosgiel Memorial RSA has received a major share of Government grants to the region, a $91,925 allocation to establish a World War 1 commemorative library and museum.
Manager Gary Dalton said it would provide the district with permanent access to material otherwise confined to storage.
''We are delighted to receive the grant. We have some very valuable military memorabilia at the RSA along with an extensive collection of military books that we need to find a good home for and house as a collection appropriately,'' he said.
The library and museum would be located within the existing RSA premises and be open to the public, Mr Dalton said.
''Our focus is to become a community club, so in doing that we need to be accessible to the public and welcome community people to join so they can take advantage of the facilities. Being a community club or focus was a condition of the grant.''
Five other Otago organisations also received grants for World War 1 centenary projects.
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery was allocated $59,992 for an exhibition of Laurence Aberhart photographs of World War 1 memorials, and the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust received $43,250 for a free public aviation show of World War 1 aircraft with commentary and displays.
In Balclutha, the South Otago Historical Society will use $38,462 on a transpacific-themed World War 1 exhibition in association with the New Caledonia Heritage Association.
The Alexandra District Museum was granted $9976 for an exhibition of World War 1-related stories, and the Hampden Presbyterian Church steering group received $3005 for an exhibition and play based on local World War 1 experiences.
The only Southland grant was $20,000 to the Riverton Heritage and Tourist Centre Board for a display commemorating World War 1 casualties and effects on the Western Southland district.
Nationally, 30 projects were allocated $2.7 million by the Lottery Grants Board, announced yesterday by Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain and Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson.
The money came from the community pool of the Lottery World War 1 Commemorations, Environment and Heritage funding.
Also announced yesterday was an extra $3.6 million grant to Te Papa for a World War 1 exhibition, out of the National Significance funding pool.
The Lottery Grants Board initially set aside $17.2 million for World War 1 centenary initiatives.
Applications for the final round of funding must be lodged by the end of this month for consideration in April.
Mr Finlayson said increasing attendances at Anzac Day services showed a growing interest in and understanding of the sacrifices made in armed conflicts.
''The World War 1 centenary commemorations will be significant and will take place over several years. Projects funded through the lottery grants will sit alongside a wide range of activities and events, including those being organised through the official centenary commemoration programme.''
Centenary grants
• Mosgiel Memorial RSA, $91,925, library/museum
• Dunedin Public Art Gallery, $59,992, exhibition
• Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust, $43,250, aviation show
• South Otago Historical Society, $38,462, exhibition
• Alexandra District Museum (Central Stories), $9976, exhibition
• Hampden Presbyterian Church, $3005, exhibition and play
TOTAL: $246,610
NZ TOTAL: $2.7 million
