Guy Barnett,Minister for Veterans' Affairs
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is continuing to throw its full support behind Tasmania's veterans and ex-serving personnel.
In April the Government announced a support program with up to $500,000 being made available to eligible RSLs and ex-serving organisations to assist them to find financial stability through these uncertain times with the coronavirus.
To date, $326,790 has been awarded to 41 organisations, however, with continued need in this area the grants application process has been extended to July 12.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible RSL sub-branches and ex-serving organisations with grants of up to $25,000 available to help RSLs and other organisations provide a new service or program to meet identified needs caused by impacts of the coronavirus.
Tasmania has more than 10,500 veterans and ex-serving personnel and organisations like the RSL provide invaluable support and advocacy for these veterans and their families.
The Tasmanian Government is also pleased to be providing $60,000 to a joint Federal-State $120,000 feasibility study looking at integrated support services, such as a wellbeing centre, to support Tasmanian veterans and their families.
The Federal Government has already invested $30 million in a network of Veterans' Wellbeing Centres across the nation and we have been working closely with our Federal counterparts to help secure a similar centre in Tasmania.
The feasibility study will look at what services are required and how best to deliver that support in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to helping veterans and ex-serving organisations both through financial viability and also improving the health and wellbeing of members.
Applications for the grants closed on July 12, 2020 and more information is available at - https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/csr/Grants/covid-19-supporting-our-veterans-grants-program
