Grants for war veterans | Gympie News | Local News in Gympie

WIDE Bay veterans have 21,000 more reasons to smile after the latest round of Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss said the local veteran community will have continuing access to the help and resources they need, thanks to BEST grants.

He said more than $21,000 in grants will be made available to five associated organisations in the region.

“The grants will support ex-service organisations to fund the staff and other resources they need to provide a range of quality services and advice to the veteran community,” Mr Truss said.

“Ex-service organisations facilitate much needed assistance to veterans, war widows and widowers, current and former Defence members and their dependants when lodging claims with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or pursuing an appeal.

“I congratulate the organisations on their successful grant applications.”

The BEST program is a part of the Federal Government’s commitment to support the role of Ex-Service Organisations (ESO) pensions, welfare practitioners, advocates and national ESOs that provide administrative and representational support within the veteran and service community.

It aims to provide support and resources to ESO practitioners for pensions and/or welfare work to assist the veteran and service community.

Applications for the next round of BEST funding close in January 2011.

For more information contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) on 133 254.

The lucky organisations:

The Cooroy Pomona RSL Sub-branch received $2000 funding for travel, consumables and running costs

Gympie RSL Sub-branch received $2720 for travel and internet access

Legacy Fraser Coast and Country Burnett received $13,071 funding for salaries

Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub-branch has $3057 for internet access, travel and consumables.

Tin Can Bay RSL Sub-branch has $1096 for internet access, consumables and running costs