MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR

Ex-service and community organisations in the Blair electorate are set to benefit from more than $315,000 in Federal Government grant funding to help deliver wellbeing projects, advocacy services, and commemorative activities for veterans, defence personnel and their families.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has welcomed funding for two local organisations as part of the $3.5 million Veteran Wellbeing Grants program to support veterans and families.

“The Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch has received a grant for its programs supporting veterans to complete TAFE courses in welding and carpentry, while Lowood RSL Sub Branch has been allocated funding towards its Veterans Paddock to Plate Community Program,” he said.

Mates4Mates, which operates a Veteran Family Recovery Centre in Ipswich, also received funding to support their Community Connections Program, while Young Veterans Australia, which has a chapter in Ipswich, received a grant for their Veterans Suicide Prevention and Family Support program.

“Veteran Wellbeing Grants are designed to boost funding for organisations providing new projects and improvements to current initiatives that enhance the health and wellbeing of Australian veterans and families. It’s fantastic to see some really practical and innovative programs that local organisations are implementing.”

“I am pleased to announce that five ex-service organisations and veteran support groups in Blair will receive a share of $4.551 million in funding through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program for 2023-24,” Mr Neumann said.

The Veterans’ Advocacy Community of Practice Brisbane West (Lowood RSL Sub Branch Welfare Centre), RSL Queensland Moreton District Pensions, Advocacy and Welfare Services (PAWS) all received grants, as well as the Ipswich, Ipswich Railway and Kilcoy RSL Sub Branches have all received grants in the latest 2023-24 funding round.

“BEST grants are an important way to assist ESOs provide pension welfare and advocacy services, and to support veterans and their families seeking compensation and other assistance.”

“Finally, I am delighted that two local projects will gain a share of more than $2 million in funding from the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, which aims to increase understanding of the veteran experience through a variety of activities,” said Mr Neumann.

Deebing Heights State School has received a grant to create a new Memorial Garden at the school, and Rosewood RSL Sub Branch has received funding to help publish a book on locals who served in the Second World War.

“The Saluting Their Service program provides funding not only for war memorials, but for a range of projects that highlight the important role our service men and women have played in over a century of service,” Mr Neumann said.

“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs received a large number of applications for these grants, so it is fantastic to see the enthusiasm to support and pay tribute to our veteran community from organisations across Ipswich and the Somerset Region.”

A full list of organisations which have been successful under each program can be found below.

For more information on each grant program, go to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/overview/consultations-and-grants/grants-and-bursaries

Further information on Saluting Their Service grants can be found at the GrantConnect website at https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=9093660b-c6f3-4c87-b179-81493fb54ed8

Veteran Wellbeing Grants 2022-23 Grant recipients

Building Excellence in Support and Training Program 2023-24

Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program 2022‑23, Round 3