The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans Affairs
VA094f
Thursday, 25 September 2008
$99,000 TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR WA VETERANS
Nine community projects across Western Australia will receive on average almost $10,000 each
to improve veteran health and independence, Minister for Veterans Affairs, Alan Griffin,
announced today.
Mr Griffin said the total grant allocation of $99,252 would benefit more than 6000 West
Australian veterans, and demonstrates the Rudd Governments commitment to supporting
organisations dedicated to caring for veterans and their dependants. The funding for West
Australian veterans is part of $865,000 distributed across Australia.
The Veteran & Community Grants program provides seed funding to local and community
organisations for projects that directly support 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 hundreds of local and community organisations had benefited from more than
$2.37 million in funding through grants programs since the Federal election last year.
Mr Griffin encouraged local and community organisations interested in applying for funding to
metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers).
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
Editors note: A list of West Australian 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.
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Veteran & Community Grant West Australian Recipients
The Western Australian Section of the Naval Association of Australia will receive $16,590 to
help purchase marquees to encourage members participation in social activities held
throughout the summer months.
Bridgetown RSL Sub-branch will receive $4282 to help purchase a video system for use in
training programs and presentations to members.
The Rockingham City Sub-section of the Naval Association of Australia will receive $18,701
to help install a cool room and purchase a photocopier to produce a regular newsletter for
members.
Esperance RSL Sub-branch will receive $10,000 to help purchase furniture and install an air
conditioning system at the club.
The Australian Nutrition Foundation WA Division will receive $33,276 to help run a Healthy
Cooking/Healthy Living program for local veterans.
The Western Australian Branch of the HMAS Perth National Association will receive $2807
to help purchase a computer and printer to produce a regular newsletter for members.
The City of Bunbury will receive $4386 to help produce a Seniors Go-To Guide, informing
the Bunbury veteran community and senior citizens about services and support available in
the region.
Dawesville RSL Sub-branch will receive $9000 to help purchase safer chairs for the club.
The Arctic Convoy Veterans Association will receive $210 to help purchase a printer to
produce a newsletter for members.