The City of Greater Bendigo and local MPs have responded to Bendigo District RSL president Cliff Richards' call for increased government funding for Anzac Day services.
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State Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said a number of grants were available in support of Anzac commemorations.
"There's always more that can be done to support our veterans but from a Victorian government perspective, as I'm sure Cliff Richards would be aware, there are quite a number of grants available for the RSL to apply for," she said.
Ms Edwards said the Victorian government's $20,000 Anzac Centenary Community Grants Program catered specifically for commemorative events.
"So in terms of assistance to put on the Anzac commemoration, that grant program would be one that the RSL could be looking at to apply for additional support for next year and the year after and right up to 2018," she said.
Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said she was open to suggestions in terms of ongoing funding.
"I completely appreciate and understand where Cliff and the RSL are coming from and I agree that there is a very strong community expectation that our commemorative services continue and continue to include as many people as possible," she said.
"In the coming weeks and months I'll be keen to meet with the local RSL to find out what support he'd like federally so I can take that to the federal government to ensure that these important services continue in our community."
City of Greater Bendigo city futures director Stan Liacos said the council would provide $10,000 a year towards commemorative events until 2018, up from $2500 in previous years.
"The city also provides a range of in kind support each year," he said.
"Together the city and the RSL have applied for state and federal government grants to support Anzac centenary initiatives but have been unsuccessful to date."
