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.
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 
