Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman has announced new grants to honour the sacrifice and service of military members. Photo: iStock/olli0815.
A new set of wellbeing supports and grant programs has been announced by the Victorian Government in honour of its military members’ contribution to the state.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman announced the boosts last week, including efforts to upgrade community organisations’ facilities and work sustaining the long-term wellbeing of ex-service men and women.
Two programs dedicated to upgrading local buildings have opened their funding rounds.
The Veterans Capital Works program is offering eligible organisations anywhere between $5000 and $50,000 for projects that can be completed within a year, while the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour program provides up to $30,000 in grants to projects restoring community war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honours. Applications close on 29 January next year.
Since 2021, the capital works program has given 55 projects the ability to complete their building and facility upgrades, like the $50,000 that went to Paynesville RSL Sub-Branch’s upgrade of its club building.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said the government was proud to support these volunteer-run community group’s facilities and their “vital work to conserve and maintain war memorials, honour rolls, and the avenues of honour”.
On top of this, Veterans Minister Suleyman said grants of up to $30,000 have gone to 27 projects dedicated to honouring veterans’ service or educating Victorians on their contributions to the state through the Victoria Remembers program.
Ararat Legacy obtained funding for its ‘Legacy in Schools’ program that partners with regional schools in taking students on an Anzac Trip to the Shrine of Remembrance and Legacy Junior Public Speaking Awards.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said “these grants ensure the service and sacrifice of our veteran community are remembered and appreciated forever, right around Victoria”.
Another 19 ex-service organisations have also been aided through the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund, for their programs tasked with delivering services to boost the wellbeing of veterans and assisting their families.
The Inverloch RSL Sub-Branch has been awarded $36,000 for its program engaging veterans with physical activity at the Broadbeach Inverloch Health Centre.
