The 2021-22 round of the Veteran and Community Grants and Supporting Younger Veterans Grants is open for applications.

Federal Member for Blair and Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel, Shayne Neumann said the grants deliver valuable funding to local community organisations providing activities and services that support the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

“This grant program will provide funds for practical projects and activities that support safe, accessible environments for veterans and their families to enable social connections and improve wellbeing,” Mr Neumann said,

“The grant will support programs that improve and expand existing services, build capacity for future projects, and raise awareness of the issues facing local veterans.

“I meet regularly with many ex-service organisations and have enormous respect for the critical role they play in providing mateship, advocacy and support.”

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for local, community-based projects and activities.

A small number of grants of up to $150,000 are also available for projects that deliver wellbeing support services and activities of broad scale benefit to the veteran community.

Mr Neumann said RSL RAEMUS Rover Off Road Racing secured a $48,000 grant in an earlier round this year.

“RAEMUS is a local group that provides social activities based on adrenaline and adventure, aimed at meeting needs of today’s younger veterans.

“The group has a track at Willowbank in the region’s motor-racing precinct where veterans can engage in fun and fast activities, while providing great fellowship with others who share similar military backgrounds.

“I would love to see more funding for local programs in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area.”

Mr Neumann encouraged local veterans’ groups to apply online through the Community Grants Hub – www.communitygrants.gov.au.

Applications close on 20 January 2022.