Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA126a
Tuesday 23 December 2008
$1 MILLION TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR VETERANS
Christmas celebrations may be a little louder for ninety-one community groups who will share in
more than $1 million in grants announced today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan
Griffin. Groups will receive on average more than $10,000 each to improve veteran health and
independence.
Mr Griffin said the total grant allocation of $1,034,281 would benefit more than 29,000 veterans,
and demonstrates the Rudd Government’s commitment to supporting organisations dedicated
to caring for veterans and their dependants.
“The Veteran & Community Grants program provides funding to local and community
organisations for projects that are directly supporting local veteran communities,” Mr Griffin said.
“It is important that veterans have access to a range of programs that teach them skills to help
them remain independent and active, particularly for the elderly living by themselves.
“Today’s funding supports a range of projects to encourage veterans to learn new life skills
including Cooking for One or Two programs, healthy living and computer skills courses.
“Veteran & Community Grants also help fund local initiatives that improve access to community
care services and encourage social interaction through Day Clubs, Men’s Sheds and social
excursions,” the Minister said.
Mr Griffin said during 2008 hundreds of local and community organisations had benefited from
more than $3.9 million in funding distributed through the grants program.
Mr Griffin encouraged local and community organisations interested in applying for 2009
Affairs office on 133 254 (for metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan
callers).
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
Editor/producers note: A list of grant recipients in each state is attached, and the Minister is
available for interviews.
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
Veteran and Community Grants Victorian recipients
Gippsland Lakes Community Health will receive $2492 to help conduct Cooking for One or
Two sessions in Lakes Entrance for 120 local veterans.
Heywood and District Memorial Hospital will receive $2446 to help conduct an Eating with
Friends program for 50 local veterans.
Darebin RSL Sub-branch will receive $34,270 to help purchase a community bus to conduct
a series of excursions for veterans to help reduce social isolation.
Southern Peninsula Veterans Centre will receive $6465 to help upgrade the courtyard at the
centre with new paving and a wheelchair ramp to improve safety.
The Mornington Peninsula Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Social Club will receive
$8982 to help conduct a series of bus trips for members to help reduce social isolation.
Merbein Bowling Club will receive $2934 to help purchase a computer and printer to produce
the club’s newsletter, and install a hot water unit at the club.
Tongala RSL Sub-branch will receive $24,811 to help repair the roof, re-paint areas of the
club and upgrade the toilet facilities.
Warrnambool RSL Sub-branch will receive $10,461 to help install a partition and purchase
tables for the club.
The Ti Tree Day Club will receive $2349 to help conduct a series of bus trips for members to
help reduce social isolation.
The Ararat Legacy Club will receive $6990 to help conduct a series of bus trips for members
to help reduce social isolation.
Anglesea RSL Sub-branch will receive $1596 to help purchase a computer and printer to
produce the club’s newsletter.
The Swan Hill Group of Bendigo Legacy will receive $7000 to help conduct a series of bus
trips for members to help reduce social isolation.
Pascoe Vale RSL Sub-branch will receive $2000 to help purchase a public address system
for use by members at events and days of commemoration.
Colac RSL Sub-branch will receive $2803 to purchase a computer and digital projector to
help conduct a series of information sessions for members.
Maffra RSL Sub-branch will receive $11,532 to help renovate the club’s kitchen and install a
dishwasher.
Portland Group Hamilton and District Legacy will receive $2047 to help purchase light weight
trestle tables for use by members.
Seaford RSL Sub-branch will receive $42,174 to help purchase tables and chairs for the
club’s bistro.
Hamilton and District Legacy will receive $11,058 to help purchase new equipment and
furnishings including window coverings, an air conditioner, refrigerator, urn, tables and
crockery for use by members at the club.
The Dromana Red Hill RSL Sub-branch will receive $7500 to help purchase chairs for the
club’s bistro.
Rainbow Day Club in Cheltenham will receive $2989 to help conduct a series of bus trips for
members to help reduce social isolation.
The 8/7th Battalion, 2nd Royal Victorian Regiment Association will receive $3340 to help
conduct a series of bus trips for members to help reduce social isolation.
Apollo Bay RSL Sub-branch will receive $1367 to help purchase a computer, printer and
computer software to produce the club’s newsletter.
Fish Creek Memorial Hall will receive $18,000 to help relocate and replace the toilet facilities
and install an air conditioner in the hall.
The Southern Districts Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Social Club will receive
$11,860 to help conduct a series of bus trips for members to help reduce social isolation,
and purchase computer equipment to produce the club’s newsletter.
The Mentone RSL Sub-branch will receive $17,234 to help upgrade the kitchen facilities and
purchase an electric steam oven and bain marie.
Glenroy RSL Sub-branch will receive $4062 to help purchase computer equipment and
software, a digital camera and undertake a computer training course to help produce the
club’s newsletter.
Phillip Island and Districts Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Social Club will receive
$3497 to help purchase a computer, printer and computer software to produce the club’s
newsletter.
Lilydale RSL Sub-branch will receive $5068 to help purchase a computer and printer to
produce the club’s newsletter, and purchase a television and DVD player to support
information sessions at the club.
Noble Park RSL Sub-branch will receive $3600 to help conduct computer training sessions
for 30 veterans.
The Frankston Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Social Club will receive $4380 to help
conduct a series of bus trips to help reduce social isolation for members.
Veteran and Community Grants Western Australian recipients
Perth Legacy will receive $34,710 to help conduct a series of bus trips to help reduce social
isolation and purchase seat walkers, adjustable high back chairs, bedside commodes and
install an electric step on the bus.
Narrogin RSL Sub-branch will receive $15,152 to help purchase metal working machinery
and tools for the Lions Men’s Shed.
Applecross RSL Sub-branch will receive $1216 to help purchase a photocopier to sustain the
quarterly newsletter for the club.
The Beverley Men’s Shed will receive $3264 to help purchase equipment to set up a bowls
program including carpet bowls, mats, scoreboard, first aid kit, signage and lighting.
Veteran and Community Grants Tasmanian recipients
The Tasman Ex-Servicemen’s and Women’s Association will receive $28,434 to help
refurbish the clubrooms kitchen with new cupboards and appliances.
Railton RSL Women’s Auxiliary will receive $27,626 to help upgrade the kitchen facilities at
the club with new cupboards and a refrigerator.
Bridport Ex-Services and Community Club will receive $24,486 to help install new
appliances and kitchen benches at the club.
Flinders Island Sports Club will receive $17,292 to help install new appliances and kitchen
benches at the club.
The Launceston Branch of the War Widows’ Guild of Australia will receive $2970 to help
purchase hip chairs for use by members.
The Eastcoast, Tasmania, Sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia will
receive $1770 to help purchase hip chairs for use by members.
Kingston Beach RSL Sub-branch will receive $8525 to help purchase an industrial pass-
through refrigerator to help cater for veteran functions at the club.
The Burnie RSL Sub-branch will receive $4018 to help refurbish the club’s dining area with
new carpet.
Veteran and Community Grants South Australian recipient
Marion RSL Sub-branch will receive $34,311 to help modify the entrance to the club to
enable better disabled access.
McLaren Vale and District RSL Sub-branch will receive $19,532 to help purchase first aid
items and tables for the club, and install a security system.
Tanunda RSL Sub-branch will receive $29,747 to help upgrade furnishings and improve
lighting at the club and purchase entertainment equipment for use by members.
Largs Bay RSL Sub-branch will receive $47,850 to help purchase an airconditioning system
for the club.
The Fleurieu Peninsula Veterans Community Association will receive $15,377 to help
upgrade the kitchen with new appliances.
Mallala RSL Sub-branch will receive $9900 to help purchase seating for use by members at
the club.
Veteran and Community Grants Queensland recipients
The Crows Nest RSL Sub-branch will receive $24,969 to help upgrade facilities at the club
including purchasing new tables, chairs, carpet, furnishings, a television and DVD player,
and indoor bowls equipment.
Mackay Veterans Support Group will receive $7089 to help upgrade the group’s facilities
and equipment including purchasing blood pressure monitors, scales, tables, chairs and a
gazebo.
Mudgeeraba RSL Sub-branch will receive $11,755 to help purchase tables, chairs and
bookshelves for the club and a television and DVD player to assist with information
sessions.
The Partners of Veterans Association, Fraser Coast Support Group, will receive $8167 to
help purchase a computer, printer, computer software, camera and equipment to help
produce the association’s newsletter.
The Blue Triangle Association will receive $5400 to help create and maintain the
association’s website.
The Esk RSL Sub-branch will receive $50,000 to help upgrade existing toilet facilities and to
install a disabled toilet at the club.
The Bribie Island and District Sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia
will receive $3025 to help conduct a series of bus trips for members to help reduce social
isolation.
Biloela RSL Sub-branch will receive $10,413 to help purchase equipment including a
computer, printer, internet access and computer software to produce the club’s newsletter.
The Tewantin-Noosa RSL Sub-branch will receive $12,312 to help purchase equipment
including a welder, picture framing materials, a television and DVD player for a Men’s Shed
program.
Mackay Veterans Support Group will receive $1300 to help conduct a series of bus trips for
members to help reduce social isolation.
Tin Can Bay RSL Sub-branch will receive $8113 to help purchase exercise equipment and a
storage trolley for use by members.
The Tewantin and Noosa Sub-branch of the War Widows’ Guild of Australia will receive
$5071 to help conduct a series of bus trips for members to help reduce social isolation.
The Warwick Branch of the Veterans’ Support and Advocacy Service Australia will receive
$4210 to help conduct a series of bus trips for members to help reduce social isolation.
The Tewantin-Noosa Legacy Laurel Club will receive $3020 to help conduct a series of bus
trips for members to help reduce social isolation.
Currumbin Happy Group will receive $1350 to help purchase a public address system for
use by members at events and days of commemoration.
The Coolum Peregian Legacy Care Group will receive $2850 to help conduct a series of bus
trips for members to help reduce social isolation.
The Australian Veterans Vietnam Reconstruction Group will receive $4210 to help create
and maintain the group’s website.
Glasshouse Mountains Landsborough RSL Sub-branch will receive $13,307 to help upgrade
the club with new carpet and replace the iron roof which has rusted.
Veteran and Community Grants New South Wales recipients
The Greater Southern Area Health Service, on behalf of the Crookwell Activity Centre, will
receive $15,277 to help replace a community bus to assist the veteran community in
attending the Activity Centre’s Weekday program.
The 823 Veterans’ Social Club will receive $11,280 to help purchase a camping trailer,
generator, portable fridge and chairs to enhance and expand an existing program of
camping trips for the local veteran community.
The Australian National Servicemen’s Association will receive $2479 to help purchase a
computer, camera, computer equipment and a multi-function printer to produce the
association’s monthly newsletter.
Gloucester RSL Sub-branch will receive $13,286 to help conduct four bus trips to Canberra,
Newcastle, Toronto and Dubbo for 170 local veterans.
The Griffith Men’s Shed will receive $46,455 to help purchase new tools and equipment,
install a dust extraction system and upgrade the electrical supply in the shed.
Forster Tuncurry Community College will receive $6559 to help design a course for carers in
the veteran community.
The South West Slopes Sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and
Peacemakers Association of Australia will receive $3943 to help purchase an air
conditioning unit and barbeque.
The Old Bar Beach RSL Sub-branch will receive $4100 to help purchase a computer, printer
and computer software to help produce the club’s newsletter.
Medowie RSL Sub-branch will receive $8245 to help purchase a trailer with barbeque and
kitchen facilities for use by members.
Kids of Veterans NSW will receive $3514 to help purchase a computer, printer and projector
to produce a quarterly newsletter .
Nambucca Valley Sub-section of the Naval Association of Australia will receive $2399 to
help purchase a portable gazebo and generator for use by members.
The South Western Sydney Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Welfare and Social Club
will receive $5000 to help conduct a series of bus trips for members to help reduce social
isolation.
The Riverina Sub-section of the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers
Association of Australia will receive $19,970 to help purchase a barbeque trailer and cooking
utensils for use by members during social outings.
Toronto RSL Sub-branch will receive $8942 to help purchase exercise equipment and hire
instructors to conduct an exercise program for members.
The Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association National Council will
receive $5200 to help purchase a computer and computer software to produce their
quarterly Wings Magazine.
Uniting Care NSW and ACT will receive $20,224 to help purchase wood working machinery,
equipment and materials for the Knowles Men’s Shed.
Coolamon Men’s Shed will receive $16,437 to help purchase tools and materials including a
welder, drill and a wood planer and thickener.
The New South Wales Branch of the Partners of Veterans Association of Australia will
receive $5760 to help purchase equipment for an exercise program including mats and
water bottles.
Baptist Church Wellington will receive $23,654 to help purchase materials and equipment to
establish a men’s shed and conduct a series of bus trips.
Macleay Valley Community Projects will receive $9213 to help purchase wood working
machinery and tools for a local Men’s Shed.
Clarence Valley Vietnam Veterans Project will receive $5000 to help provide computer
training for members.
Nambucca Heads RSL Sub-branch will receive $4067 to help purchase equipment including
a public address system, camera, vacuum cleaner and an indoor bowls set.
Veteran and Community Grants Australian Capital Territory recipients
The Legacy Club of Canberra will receive $14,666 to help purchase and install a public
address system.
The ACT Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia will receive $1599 to help
purchase a portable stage piano for use during choral performances.
The ACT Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia will receive $8964 to help
purchase a milling machine and accessories to enhance the Men’s Shed.
NEWS 
