Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA126d
Tuesday 23 December 2008
$115,000 TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR
VETERANS IN TASMANIA
Christmas celebrations may be a little louder for eight community groups across Tasmania who
will share in more than $115,000 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 $115,121 would benefit more than 1700 local
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 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 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.
NEWS 
