$206,000 BOOST FOR QUEENSLAND VETERAN COMMUNITY

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, today announced grants totalling $206,000 will be distributed to local organisations in Queensland 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/grantsor contact your DVA State office on 1300 550 465.  

Media inquiries: Cameron Hill  0408 239 521

Veteran & Community Grant Queensland Recipients

• Killarney & District Memorial Hospital will receive a grant of $66,095 to help purchase a bus to transport veterans and other elderly patients.

• The Queensland Branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia will receive a grant of $52,188 to help establish a Men’s Shed.

• The Redlands RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $34,914 to help purchase a bus to transport veterans and other members.

• The Toowoomba RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $29,642 to help establish a social activity centre for the Sub-branch.

• The Totally and Permanently Disabled Soldiers Association (Fraser Coast) South Burnett Centre will receive a grant of $5550 to help with the cost of excursions for veterans.

• The Sunshine Coast branch of the Korean War Veterans’ Association will receive a grant of $6500 to help with the cost of excursions for veterans.

• The Maroochy Waters Sub-section of the Naval Association of Australia will receive a grant of $4894 to help with the cost of excursions for veterans.

• The Southport RSL Sub-branch Women’s Auxiliary will receive a grant of $2275 to help with the cost of excursions for members.

• The Stanthorpe Laurel Club will receive a grant of $4575 to help with the cost of  excursions.