Veterans and their families from across Australia will benefit from projects funded under the Veteran and Community Grants (V&CG) program aimed at ensuring their health and wellbeing.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester announced that more than $480,000 will be provided to fund activities and services within local communities to help maintain the mental and physical health of our veterans and their families.
"The health and wellbeing of veterans and their families is a priority for the Federal Government and these grants will help local ex-service organisations, veterans' groups and community organisations deliver projects that promote a healthy and independent lifestyle-something incredibly important as we navigate the current coronavirus pandemic," Mr Chester said.
"I am pleased to announce that these organisations have been offered funding to deliver projects such as creating a community garden, bus trips to help reduce social isolation and upgrading existing community facilities.
"For example the Carina's Men Shed will receive almost $80,000 to develop a series of weekly activities around sport and social engagements targeted specifically towards veterans, their families and carers.
"Congratulations to the communities and ex-service organisations that have been offered funding to deliver activities and services to support the veteran community."
DVA recognises the potential impact coronavirus may have on recipients completing their projects, with social distancing and other public health measures in place across the country. The grants offer will be available for the initial 12-month period, however, if the organisation requires more time to complete their project due to coronavirus, DVA will consider extending the length of the agreement on a case-by-case basis. This flexibility will ensure all of the successful organisations can deliver their projects within a reasonable timeframe and continue to deliver great support to their local veteran community.
You can view a full list of the latest announced grants below.
Veteran and Community Grants 2019/20 Batch 3
| Recipient | Location | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW RSL Bowls Association | Saratoga | To provide transport for interstate veterans attending the 2020 National Carnival of Veteran Lawn Bowlers and printing of programs. | $21,065.00 |
| Recipient | Location | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Returned & Services League of Australia (South Australia Branch) Darwin Sub-Branch | Darwin | To create a community garden at Billeroy House. | $22,680.00 |
| RDA Alice Springs Incorporated | Alice Springs | To provide an equine therapy program to young veterans in the Alice Springs region. | $11,000.00 |
| Recipient | Location | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association, Queensland Division Incorporated Letters Patent | Murrumba Downs | To undertake a series of bus trips to reduce social isolation. | $6,000.00 |
| Carina Men's Shed Incorporated | Carina | To develop a series of weekly activities around sport and social engagements targeted specifically towards veterans, their families and carers. | $78,485.00 |
| Southern Downs Ex-Services Association Queensland Incorporated | Warwick | To construct a fire exit safety door to ensure a safe environment for members. | $5,436.00 |
| Cooroy Memorial Hall Association Incorporated | Cooroy | To replace tables and chairs to ensure a safe environment for members and guests | $65,000.00 |
| Cockscomb Veterans Bush Retreat Incorporated** | Cawarral | To replace electrical wiring at the Retreat to ensure a safe environment for members. | $25,586 |
| Recipient | Location | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uniting Church in Australia Highgate | Highgate | To purchase computer numerical controlled routing technology to encourage and upskill veterans participating in activities at the Rosefield Community Shed. | $15,950.00 |
| Returned Services League Blanchetown Sub-Branch Incorporated | Blanchetown | To install air conditioning and solar panels; replace and insulate the interior panelling of the clubhouse and purchase a defibrillator. | $30,000.00 |
| The Returned & Services League (Mount Gambier Sub-Branch & Memorial Club) Inc. | Mount Gambier | To upgrade the Mount Gambier Community RSL Diggers Room to create a functional, family friendly environment. | $30,000.00 |
| Returned & Services League (Tumby Bay) Sub Branch Incorporated | Tumby Bay | To purchase and install a sound system at the RSL to support the needs of the veteran and wider community at social events. | $10,062.00 |
| Recipient | Location | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex Servicemen | North Hobart | To undertake a series of bus trips to reduce social isolation. | $5,150.00 |
| The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex Servicemen and Women (Tasmanian Branch) Incorporated | North Hobart | To purchase 10 café/bar type stools for use at the social club. | $1,000.00 |
| Recipient | Location | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caulfield RSL Sub-Branch Inc. | Elsternwick | To assist with renovation of the kitchen facilities at the Caulfield RSL. | $106,000.00 |
| Totally & Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen & Women's Association of VIC Inc. | North Melbourne | To purchase computer equipment to enable the production of a quarterly magazine and social club newsletters. | $10,116.00 |
| Recipient | Location | Funding description | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broome Sub Branch R.S.L. | Broome | To upgrade the kitchen facilities to provide a safe environment for members and guests. | $17,987.00 |
| Returned & Services League Busselton Sub-Branch | Busselton | To purchase computer equipment for use at the South West Veterans Centre, undertake bus excursions and conduct educational sessions. | $8,200.00 |
| North Beach RSL Sub-Branch | North Beach | To undertake a series of bus trips to reduce social isolation | $15,020.00 |
