Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans Affairs
VA077g
Tuesday 1 September 2009
$380,000 FOR VETERAN HEALTH AND WELLBEING PROJECTS IN VIC
Minister for Veterans Affairs Alan Griffin today announced more than $380,000 in funding to
support 27 health and wellbeing initiatives for veterans and their families in Victoria.
I am pleased to announce that more than $380,000 has been allocated to local and community
organisations in Victoria through this round of the Veteran & Community Grants program, Mr
Griffin said.
The funding will benefit some 8100 Victorian veterans, war widows and widowers and their
families by supporting a range of initiatives including health, nutrition and exercise sessions.
Mr Griffin said the grants demonstrate the Australian Governments commitment to
organisations that care for the veteran community, and encourage veterans, war widows and
widowers and their families to become involved in local health and wellbeing activities.
Veteran & Community Grants help fund local initiatives that improve access to community care
services and encourage social interaction through Day Clubs, Mens Sheds and social
excursions, Mr Griffin said.
It is important that the veteran community has access to a range of programs where they can
learn skills to help them remain independent and active, particularly for the elderly living by
themselves.
Veteran & Community Grants are available to ex-service and community organisations, veteran
representative groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the
veteran community.
Local and community organisations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to visit
or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers).
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
Editors note: A list of grant recipients is attached.
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 Victorian recipients $380,836 benefiting
more than 8100 veterans
Lyndoch Warrnambool will receive $19,780 to help conduct a foot care awareness
program in south west Victoria for veterans, carers and health care workers.
Merbein Bowling Club will receive $40,226 to help install a synthetic lawn bowling
green.
Warrnambool RSL Sub-branch will receive $10,184 to help purchase a photocopier
to produce the club newsletter.
Sorrento Portsea RSL Sub-branch will receive $57,501 to help upgrade the club
premises including installing non-slip vinyl in the kitchen, climate control blinds in
the hall and constructing a sheltered area with disabled access.
Manangatang RSL Sub-branch will receive $8980 to help install bathroom facilities
at the clubrooms.
Cobden District Health Services will receive $5561 to help purchase an air
conditioning system and roof materials for the Cobdens Mens Shed.
Casterton RSL Sub-branch will receive $12,563 to help install bathroom facilities at
the clubrooms.
Swan Hill RSL Sub-branch will receive $9974 to help purchase equipment for the
club including a computer, camera, public address system and bowls mats to
enhance activities for a Day Club.
The West Gippsland Sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia
will receive $3715 to help members undertake first aid training and purchase a first
aid kit for the club.
Warrnambool RSL Sub-branch will receive $2200 to help purchase a song mixing
machine for the Warrnambool and Veteran Charity Dance Group.
Hastings 1066 Day Club will receive $4537 to help fund a series of bus trips for
members and their partners to help reduce social isolation.
Golden Wattle Day Club will receive $2480 to fund a series of bus trips to help
reduce social isolation in the local veteran community.
Bluestone Day Club will receive $2255 to fund a series of bus trips to help reduce
social isolation in the local veteran community.
Toora RSL Sub-branch will receive $35,515 to help purchase an air conditioning
system and install bathroom facilities including an access ramp for members with a
disability.
Hamilton RSL Sub-branch will receive $3975 to help purchase a computer,
computer software and printer to produce the club newsletter.
Sunshine RSL Sub-branch will receive $39,247 to help purchase kitchen facilities
including a dishwasher, steamer oven and coffee machine to enhance programs at
the club.
The Warrnambool Sub-section of the Naval Association of Australia will receive
$1599 to help purchase a data projector for presentations to members.
Merbein RSL Sub-branch will receive $40,865 to help replace flooring at the club,
which was unsafe.
The Bass Coast Adult Education Centre will receive $30,861 to help purchase
equipment and plants to establish a community garden at the centre.
Anglesea RSL Sub-branch will receive $9700 to help restump the clubrooms to
ensure the building remains a safe and viable meeting place.
Montmorency RSL Sub-branch will receive $9900 to help replace carpet tiles and
install an air conditioning system at the club.
Traralgon RSL Sub-branch will receive $2297 to help purchase a public address
system for use at club functions.
Wildflower Day Club Watsonia will receive $7152 to fund a series of bus trips to
help reduce social isolation in the local veteran community.
Lyrebirds Day Club in Warburton will receive $4001 to help purchase equipment to
support the club including a data projector, laptop, speakers and portable screen.
Pakenham RSL Sub-branch will receive $3500 to help purchase an audio visual
system to enhance services to members.
The Totally and Permanently Disabled Soldiers Association of Victoria will receive
$2228 to help purchase a television and DVD player to improve presentations and
entertainment available to members.
Bens Shed Yarra Junction will receive $10,040 to help purchase a dust extractor
and gas heater for the Mens Shed.