$286,000 BOOST FOR NSW AND ACT VETERAN COMMUNITY

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, today announced grants totalling $286,000 will be distributed to local organisations in NSW and the ACT 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 NSW and ACT Recipients

• The ACT Division of the Australian Flying Corp and Royal Australian Air Force Association will receive a grant of $3612 to help purchase equipment to produce a monthly newsletter.

• The Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia South West Slopes Sub-branch will receive a grant of $14,371 to help establish pottery and wood burning classes for local veterans.

• Inverell RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $6889 to help conduct a 50-week fitness and social activity program and purchase sports equipment.

• Nambucca Heads RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $2200 to help purchase computer equipment to produce a monthly newsletter.

• The South West Branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association NSW will receive a grant of $4179 to help purchase a water tank for the veterans’ retreat at Murraguldrie.

• The Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $6520 to help conduct two computer courses for veterans.

• The International Society 173rd Airborne Brigade Australia Down Under Chapter XI will receive a grant of $4842 to help purchase computer and printing equipment to produce a quarterly newsletter.

• The Combined Aircrew Association will receive a grant of $2717 to help purchase computer equipment to produce a quarterly newsletter.

• The Nepean Wives of Vietnam Veterans Women’s Support Group will receive a grant of $2226 to help purchase sports equipment to conduct exercise classes for veterans.

• Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) Bowral will receive a grant of $34,565 to help conduct a computer recycling and training program for 70 veterans.

• The Coolamon RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $2118 to help install a disability access ramp at the RSL memorial hall.

• The Legacy Club of Wollongong and South Coast will receive a grant of $9000 to help install air conditioning at Legacy House in Nowra.

• The RSL of Australia NSW Goulburn Sub-branch will receive a grant of $1900 to purchase a public address system.

• The Lyndhurst RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $9000 to help install a stair lift at the community RSL hall and military museum.

• The Baradine RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $40,603 to help purchase furniture and equipment for the Sub-branch’s new venue.

• The NSW State Branch National Servicemen’s Oxley Sub-branch will receive a grant of $2000 to help purchase a public address system for use by the local veteran community.

• The NSW Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club Australia will receive a grant of $3475 to help purchase equipment to conduct motorcycle maintenance and health promotion course, and to establish a mechanics workshop.

• The Tumbarumba RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $3317 to help install reverse cycle air conditioning in the RSL hall.

• The Coraki RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $2040 to help purchase a public address system for use by the local veteran community.

• The Port Stephens Veterans and Citizens Aged Care will receive a grant of $126,100 to help purchase a bus for retirement village residents including some 260 veterans, at Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay and Salamander Bay.

• The Moree RSL Sub-branch will receive a grant of $2349 to help purchase a public address system for use by the local veteran community.

• The Macleay Valley Sub-branch of the National Service Association will receive a grant of $2765 to help purchase a public address system for use by the local veteran community.