The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA056e
Wednesday 11 June 2008
$261,000 BOOST FOR SA VETERAN COMMUNITY
Seventeen ex-service organisations across South Australia will share a $261,874 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 South Australia Recipients
The South Australian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia will receive
$59,810 to help purchase equipment including 25 computers, 15 printers, internet access
and office furniture including filing cabinets.
The South Australian RSL Branch will receive $10,444 to help purchase three computers,
printers, internet access and a photocopier.
Mount Gambier RSL Sub-branch will receive $9778 to help purchase four computers and
internet access.
The South Australian Branch of the Totally and Permanently Disabled Soldiers’ Association
of Australia will receive $10,087 to help purchase five computers, a mobile phone plan and
internet access.
Plympton Glenelg RSL Pensions Office will receive $11,594 to help purchase equipment
including three computers, a printer, internet access and a whiteboard.
The Legacy Club of Adelaide will receive $13,209 to help purchase equipment including
three computers, four printers, a paper shredder and whiteboard.
The South Australian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Federation of Australia will receive
$37,914 to help purchase equipment including ten computers, a printer, photocopier, office
furniture and internet access.
The Mitcham Branch of the Royal Australian Air Force Association will receive $11,567 to
help purchase four computers, three printers, internet access and filing cabinets.
Vietnam and War Veterans South Australia will receive $2631 to help purchase a printer,
office desk and work station and internet access.
The South Australian Branch of the Royal Australian Regiment Association will receive
$8842 to help purchase a photocopier.
Fleurieu Peninsula Veterans Community Association will receive $18,183 to help purchase
equipment including four computers, a printer, internet access, computer software and
accessories, and office furniture.
The Beachvale Sub-section of the Naval Association of Australia will receive $10,640 to help
purchase two computers, a printer, photocopier, internet access and filing cabinets.
Riverland Veterans’ Centre will receive $5694 to help purchase two computers, internet
access, two whiteboards and office furniture.
The National Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Association Australia National Branch will
receive $25,540 to help purchase ten computers, ten printers, internet access and computer
software.
The South Australian Branch of the Korean and South East Asia Forces Association of
Australia will receive $13,438 to help purchase two computers, two printers, computer
software and internet access.
The South Australian Division of the Royal Australian Air Force Association will receive
$5993 to help purchase two computers, a printer, filing cabinet and office chairs.
Yorke Peninsula Veterans’ and Community will receive $6510 to help purchase two
computers, a printer, filing cabinet and internet access.
NEWS 
