The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA056f
Wednesday 11 June 2008
$152,000 BOOST FOR WA VETERAN COMMUNITY
Nineteen ex-service organisations across Western Australia will share a $152,857 update to
their equipment so they can better help the veteran and service communities through the claims
process, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced today.
Mr Griffin said more than 250 ex-service organisations (ESOs) across the country received a
total of $2.24 million in support, delivering on an election promise to upgrade ESOs’ capital
equipment.
“Many veterans, war widows, widowers, dependants and current serving members depend on
the support and guidance provided by their local ESOs, particularly in relation to the claims
process,” Minister Griffin said.
“Today’s funding, through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program, will
help purchase capital equipment essential to the work of advocates, pension and welfare
officers.
“Advocates, pension and welfare officers need equipment such as computers, printers and
internet access to assist them in providing services to the veteran and ex-service communities.
“I am pleased to say that every applicant that met the criteria has been provided with funding.
“This Government recognises the need of ESOs to maintain their equipment and resources.
This year’s funding has met the existing demand and support will be provided over the next
three years by the remaining $2.8 million of funding.
“I was pleased to announce as part of the Federal Budget that support for ESOs would be
increased by $14.9 million over four years, including 2007/08. This funding also includes
increased assistance for the Training and Information Program (TIP) which gives veterans’
representatives the necessary skills to support the veteran and service communities.
“I encourage all ESOs to take advantage of the funding offered by the Government. The better
equipped ESOs are, the better they are able to support Australia’s veteran and ex-service
communities,” Mr Griffin said.
Further information on applying for BEST, and other veterans grants, is available from the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs, phone 133 254 (metro callers) or 1800 555 254 (non-metro
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
Editors note: A list of grant recipients is attached.
Building Excellence in Support and Training Western Australia Recipients
Albany RSL Sub-branch will receive $3220 to help purchase a computer, internet access
and computer software.
The Australian Navy in Vietnam Veterans’ Welfare Association of Western Australia will
receive $7734 to help purchase two computers, storage equipment and computer software.
Applecross RSL Sub-branch will receive $1000 to help purchase internet access and office
equipment.
The Australian Special Air Service Association National Executive will receive $10,784 to
help purchase five computers, a printer and internet access.
The Western Australian Branch of the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’
Association will receive $128 to help purchase computer software.
Busselton RSL Sub-branch will receive $4900 to help purchase two computers and two
printers.
Donnybrook RSL Sub-branch will receive $4310 to help purchase a computer, printer and
computer software.
Legacy Club of Fremantle will receive $1900 to help purchase a computer and printer.
Geraldton City RSL Sub-branch will receive $8100 to help purchase a printer, computer,
internet access and office furniture.
Mount Hawthorn RSL Sub-branch will receive $925 to help purchase internet access and
office equipment.
The Naval Association of Australia, Western Australia Section, will receive $13,600 to help
purchase four computers, internet access and filing cabinets.
The Partners of Veterans Association of Western Australia will receive $8850 to help
purchase three computers, two printers and office equipment.
The Western Australia Branch of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps Association will
receive $2010 to help purchase a printer and printer consumables.
The Regular Defence Force Welfare Association, Western Australia Branch, will receive
$6560 to help purchase four computers, office furniture and internet access.
The City of Rockingham RSL Sub-branch will receive $8040 to help purchase two
computers, two printers and internet access.
The Western Australia RSL Branch will receive $46,009 to help purchase equipment
including two desktop computers, two laptop computers, a printer, one photocopier, one
projector, computer software and office furniture.
The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-servicemen and
Women, Western Australia Branch, will receive $5529 to help purchase a computer, printer,
projector and internet access.
The Western Australian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers
Federation of Australia will receive $11,515 to help purchase two computers, a printer,
internet access and office furniture.
The Vietnam Logistic Support Veterans’ Association, Western Australia, will receive $7743
to help purchase two computers, two printers and a photocopier.
NEWS 
