The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA056d
Wednesday 11 June 2008
$439,000 BOOST FOR VICTORIA’S VETERAN COMMUNITY
More than thirty ex-service organisations across Victoria will share a $439,328 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 Victoria Recipients
Hume Veterans’ Information Centre will receive $39,499 to help purchase equipment
including eight computers, three printers, internet access, office furniture and a projection
screen.
RSL Victoria will receive $16,065 to help purchase seven data projectors.
The Regional Veterans’ Centre Project will receive $3040 to help purchase a computer,
computer software and accessories.
Ballarat Veterans’ Support Group will receive $10,408 to help purchase internet access, a
computer and office furniture.
The Bass Coast Veterans & Dependants Welfare Centre will receive $14,291 to help
purchase four computers, printers, a whiteboard and office furniture.
Bayside Regional Centre will receive $910 to help purchase two printers and internet
access.
Casey Regional Veterans Welfare Centre will receive $6072 to help purchase two
computers, filing cabinets, a laminator and internet access.
Central Victorian Veterans’ Support Centre will receive $13,180 to help purchase four
computers, a printer, computer software, office chairs and internet access.
Echuca Veterans Support Centre will receive $4050 to help purchase a computer, internet
access and office furniture.
Geelong Veterans Support Centre will receive $18,760 to help purchase four computers, a
printer, photocopier and internet access.
Gippsland Veterans’ Welfare Centre will receive $70,747 to help purchase equipment
including 12 computers, six printers, photocopiers, office furniture, internet and telephone
access.
Goulburn Valley Veterans Services will receive $3349 to help purchase a photocopier and
internet access.
Heidelberg Repatriation Veterans’ Centre will receive $17,243 to help purchase nine
computers, four printers and internet access.
Leongatha & Districts Veterans’ Welfare Centre will receive $16,013 to help purchase four
computers, three printers, computer software, office furniture and internet access.
Melbourne Veterans’ & Services Support Centre will receive $14,015 to help purchase a
printer, scanner, four computers, photocopier and internet access.
Mitchell Veterans’ Centre will receive $3300 to help purchase a computer, computer
software and internet access.
South East Regional Veterans’ Welfare Centre will receive $1603 to help purchase a
printer/scanner and internet access.
Southern Peninsula Veterans’ Centre will receive $16,315 to help purchase five computers,
two printers, a photocopier, filing cabinets and internet access.
South West Veterans’ Centre will receive $700 to help purchase internet access.
Sunraysia Regional Veterans’ Centre will receive $11,579 to help purchase equipment
including three computers, internet access, a printer and filing cabinets.
Swan Hill Veterans’ Information Centre will receive $13,381 to help purchase equipment
including a computer, photocopier, printer and internet access.
Surf Coast Regional Veterans’ Centre will receive $9808 to help purchase equipment
including a printer, scanner, computer, computer software and accessories.
Western Suburbs Veterans & Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia will receive $1980
to help purchase a computer and internet access.
West Gippsland Veterans’ Welfare Centre will receive $2375 to help purchase a storage
unit, electronic stapler and printer accessories.
The Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans Association National Branch will
receive $18,881 to help purchase equipment including a whiteboard, reference material,
three computers, a printer and computer software.
Vietnam Veterans’ Federation of Victoria will receive $1618 to help purchase a computer
monitor, a printer and internet access.
Defence Force Welfare Association Victoria will receive $6270 to help purchase a computer,
a printer, photocopier, computer software and internet access.
Melbourne Legacy will receive $43,602 to help purchase equipment including 12 computers,
six printers, internet access, two paper shredders and computer software.
Melbourne Legacy Welfare will receive $4984 to help purchase two computers.
The Victorian Branch of the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans’
Association will receive $9040 to help purchase a computer, printer, internet access, paper
shredders and laminator.
Upway Belgrave RSL Sub-branch will receive $5993 to help purchase equipment including a
computer, printer, internet access and office furniture.
Phillip Island RSL Sub-branch will receive $8746 to help purchase two computers, two
printers, internet access and office furniture.
Hampton RSL Sub-branch will receive $2569 to help purchase a computer and printer.
Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL Sub-branch will receive $5843 to help purchase three computers,
two printers and computer software.
Ocean Grove RSL Sub-branch will receive $3904 to help purchase a computer, printer,
internet access and computer software.
Carry On Victoria will receive $19,195 to help purchase a computer, photocopier and office
furniture including chairs and desks.
NEWS 
