WA VETERANS TO BENEFIT FROM $360,000 IN FUNDING

The Western Australian veteran community will benefit from $360,830 in Australian Government funding to better equip ex-service organisations to assist veterans in accessing their rightful entitlements, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today.

Mr Billson said the funding will support pension and welfare officers from 19 organisations in Western Australia, including Legacy and the RSL, who provide valuable assistance to the veteran community.

“Pension and welfare officers provide much needed help to veterans, war widows and widowers, current and former Defence Force members and their dependants when lodging claims with my Department, or pursuing an appeal,” Mr Billson said.

“This funding will also help ensure ex-service organisations have access to tools and equipment to help prepare the best possible claim for veterans’ entitlements by funding computer equipment, office supplies, internet access and the like.

“Many veterans, especially older veterans, rely on assistance from the ex-service community.  The Australian Government values these essential services and is committed to providing the ex-service community with the necessary financial support, so they can continue their dedicated service to Australia’s past and present servicemen and women.”

Mr Billson said the funding was made available as part of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program which provides financial support to fund staff, computer equipment and other resources ex-service organisations need to provide quality services to the veteran community.

“During 2006, the Australian Government provided more than $3.5 million in funding to assist their valuable work in the veteran community.  In 2007 available funding has increased to $3.9 million, recognising the need to improve the services and facilities available to the veteran community.  This brings the total provided by the Government since 1999 to more than $21.5 million.”

The BEST program is administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and links closely with the Training and Information Program (TIP).  TIP provides crucial training for organisations that receive BEST funding to ensure they have the essential skills to provide quality claim and welfare services to the veteran community.

“The dedicated support that ex-service and community organisations provide to our veteran community is commendable.”
 
Media inquiries: Cameron Hill  0408 239 521

Building Excellence in Support and Training Western Australia Recipients

• The Western Australian Branch of the RSL will receive a grant of $110,776 to help employ an advocate and part-time administrative officer, and purchase internet access.

• The Western Australian Branch of the RSL, on behalf of the Bunbury Sub-branch, will receive a grant of $1027 to help purchase office equipment including a chair and telephone.

• The City of Rockingham RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $1800 to help fund running costs.

• The Western Australian Branch of the RSL, on behalf of the Collie/Cardiff RSL Sub-branch, will receive a grant of $1232 to help maintain internet access.

• The Western Australian Branch of the RSL, on behalf of the Yanchep/Two Rocks Sub-branch, will receive a grant of $820 to help maintain internet access.

• The Mandurah RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $24,893 to help employ an advocate, a pension and welfare officer and an administrative officer.

• The Legacy Fund of Perth will receive a grant of $164,605 to help employ an advocate, pension and welfare officer and an administrative officer.

• The Busselton RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $4869 to help purchase a computer and computer software, internet access and some office furniture.

• The Western Australian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia will receive a grant of $6247 to help purchase a computer and computer accessories.

• The Donnybrook RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $4289 to maintain computer software and internet access.

• The Albany RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $1420 to help maintain computer software and internet access.

• The Western Australian Branch of the Regular Defences Force Welfare Association will receive a grant of $5876 to help purchase two computers and to fund ongoing consumable costs.

• The Royal Australian Armoured Corps Association, Western Australian branch, will receive a grant of $5964 to help purchase computer software and fund ongoing consumable costs.

• The Australian Navy in Vietnam Veterans Welfare Association of Western Australia will receive a grant of $7200 to help employ a part-time administrative officer.

• The Port Kennedy RSL Social Club will receive a grant of $2652 to help fund ongoing travel and running costs.

• The Totally and Partially Disabled Veterans of Western Australia will receive a grant of $2280 to purchase office furniture including a photocopier.

• The Murray RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $1200 to purchase internet access and office furniture.

• The Vietnam Logistic Support Veterans Association Western Australia will receive a grant of $10,520 to help purchase two computers.

• The Western Australian Branch of the Royal Australian Regiment Association will receive a grant of $3160 to help maintain internet access and office costs.