Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans Affairs
VA126e
Tuesday 23 December 2008
$156,000 TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR SA VETERANS
Christmas celebrations may be a little louder for six community groups across South Australia
who will share in more than $156,000 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 $156,717 would benefit more than 1800 local
veterans, and demonstrates the Rudd Governments 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.
Todays 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, Mens 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 Ministers media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
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.