Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA126f
Tuesday 23 December 2008
$176,000 TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR VETERANS IN QLD
Christmas celebrations may be a little louder for eighteen community groups across
Queensland who will share in more than $176,000 in grants announced today by the Minister
for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin. Groups will receive on average more than $9000 each to
improve veteran health and independence.
Mr Griffin said the total grant allocation of $176,561 would benefit more than 9200 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 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.
NEWS 
