$143,000 BOOST FOR SA VETERAN COMMUNITY

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, today announced grants totalling $143,624 will be distributed to local organisations in South Australia as part of the Australian Government’s Veteran & Community Grants program.

Mr Billson said the funding demonstrated the Government’s commitment to supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare of Australia’s veterans.

“Veteran & Community Grants provide an important source of funding for projects that support a healthy, quality lifestyle for members of the veteran community,” Mr Billson said.

The program also funds projects that help veterans, war widows and widowers continue to live independently in their own homes, as well as initiatives that reduce social isolation, improve access to community care services and support carers.

Projects and initiatives supported through the grants program have included day clubs, purchasing equipment for Men’s Sheds around Australia, health programs including Cooking for One or Two and a range of social activities for the veteran community.

“The Australian Government is providing much needed support for a range of projects designed to help veterans, war widows and widowers and their dependants across Australia,” Mr Billson said.

“Veteran & Community Grants are available to ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups and private organisations that contribute to improvements in the quality of life of members of the veteran community.

“More than $3.1 million in funding is available to eligible organisations through these grants in 2007-08, providing much needed support for a range of projects designed to help veterans, war widows and widowers and their dependants across Australia.

“Our veterans deserve our support for their service and sacrifice in the defence of our nation, and for their continuing role in the development of our community,” he said.

For more information about the Veteran & Community Grants program, go to www.dva.gov.au/health/grants or contact your DVA State office on 1300 550 465.

 Media inquiries: Cameron Hill  0408 239 521

Veteran & Community Grant South Australia Recipients

• The Fleurieu Peninsula Veterans Community Association will receive a grant of $9579 to help purchase woodworking machinery for the association’s Men’s Shed and community workshop.

• Brighton RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $53,518 to help refurbish the Sub-branch’s kitchen in the new clubrooms.

• The Barmera RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $21,604 to help upgrade the Sub-branch’s kitchen facilities.

• Ceduna RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $1750 to help purchase a portable wireless amplifier system.

• Blackwood and District RSL Club will receive a grant of $9000 to help purchase screens and ergonomic chairs for the Club.

• The Strathalbyn RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $25,903 to help purchase audio visual equipment, tables and chairs to support the Sub-branch’s activities.

• The Ex Military Rehabilitation Centre will receive a grant of $22,270 to help establish a kitchen and purchase kitchen appliances for the centre.