Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA126c
Tuesday 23 December 2008
$54,000 TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR WA VETERANS
Christmas celebrations may be a little louder for four community groups across Western
Australia who will share in more than $54,000 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 $54,342 would benefit more than 1300 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 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.
NEWS 
