The Legacy Club of Ipswich Inc. will receive $75,580 in the latest round of the 2024-2025 Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program to help run weekly programs on various topics, and a retreat to assist 100 families facing trauma from the loss of loved ones.
A total of $3 million in Veteran Wellbeing Grants have been awarded to 46 initiatives across the country, which will foster connection and community, promote physical and mental health, and raise awareness of important veteran community issues.
Mates4Mates, which will operate the planned Ipswich Veterans’ and Families’ Hub with RSL Queensland, also received funding to support veterans and family members to maintain their health and wellbeing and improve their quality of life, through activities such as group physical training and yoga.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh was at Legacy House in Ipswich this week to announce the funding, and was joined by the Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann, Ipswich Legacy President Donna Reggett and veteran families who will benefit from the investment.
Minister Keogh said the funding for Ipswich Legacy would allow them to offer retreats and other activities for the bereaved families of deceased veterans
“These will provide much-needed support and comfort to surviving spouses and children who have lost loved ones at a time of great need,” Minister Keogh said.
“It’s just one example of the diverse range of programs this $3 million will support, reflecting the huge range of individual needs of our veteran community.
“The 46 community-led projects we’re funding give our veterans and families so many options to stay on top of their health and wellbeing.”
Mr Neumann said he was proud that the Albanese Labor Government was backing local veteran families in Ipswich.
“Ipswich Legacy is an outstanding community organisation that does so much to serve the families of those who have served our nation, so I’m really pleased they have received this $75,000 Veteran Wellbeing Grant,” Mr Neumann said.
“Legacy’s work includes providing financial assistance and social connection for veteran families and widows, and supporting the educational and development needs of veterans’ children.
“This latest funding will help bereaved veteran partners and children to build support networks and know what supports are available in the community.”
Ms Reggett said Ipswich Legacy was very grateful for the funding, which would help them roll out support programs sooner.
“We plan to run some additional education and social experiences for people that are families that are transitioning out of Defence and also those that have lost partners that were serving as well,” Ms Reggett said.
“So, we're hoping that we can build the supports, give them the education, let them know where the supports are in the system. So that's our plan, and with the funding that will be able to happen now, and that's brilliant.”
Applications for the next round of the Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program will open later this year.
