$72,000 Boost For Canberra's Veteran Community

< BACK TO GOVERNMENTS starstarstarstarstar   Government - Governments Press Release
11th June 2008, 02:16pm - Views: 829





Government Government Minister For Veterans' Affairs 1 image







The Hon Alan Griffin MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs


VA056g


Wednesday 11 June 2008  


$72,000 BOOST FOR CANBERRA’S VETERAN COMMUNITY


Eight ex-service organisations across the ACT will share a $72,836 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.

Government Government Minister For Veterans' Affairs 2 image




Building Excellence in Support and Training ACT Recipients


The Legacy Club of Canberra will receive $3270 to help purchase equipment including a

computer, printer, fax machine and internet access.


The ACT Division of the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women

Association will receive $9368 to help purchase two computers, two printers, internet access

and computer software.


The ACT Division of the Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association

will receive $578 to help purchase a printer.


The ACT Section of the Naval Association of Australia will receive $9368 to help purchase

equipment including two computers, printers and internet access.


The ACT RSL Branch will receive $766 to help purchase a printer and internet access.


The Vietnam Veterans’ Federation ACT Branch will receive $29,666 to help purchase and

install computer software, a photocopier and paper shredder.


The Naval Association of Australia National Council will receive $13,429 to help purchase

equipment including two computers, a printer, internet access, a projector and projector

screen.


The ACT RSL Branch on behalf of the Angeles City RSL Sub-branch in the Philippines, will

receive $6391 to help purchase three computers, a printer and internet access.







news articles logo NEWS ARTICLES
Contact News Articles |Remove this article