Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan today announced Federal Government funding to assist three ex-service organisations (ESOs) in the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley to continue their important work with the local veteran community.
Mr Hogan said the funding was part of the Australian Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants programme, which helps ESOs across Australia provide essential advice, advocacy and welfare services for veterans, serving members and their families, war widows and widowers.
“I am pleased to announce that three ex-service organisation in the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley will receive a total of $97,000, which will enable them to continue their vital work,” he said.
Mr Hogan said Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia Far North Coast (NSW) Sub-branch would receive $30,966, Association of Far North Coast Ex-Service Organisations $57,081 and the Partners of Veterans Association of Australia New South Wales Branch $8,756.
Overall, 126 organisations will share in more than $4 million in Government funding awarded in BEST funding round 17.
Mr Hogan said this round of BEST funding included the $1 million per year that was reinstated by the Government in the 2014-15 Budget.
“The funding will support the work of veterans’ advocates, welfare and pension officers across the country and provide them with greater certainty into the future,” he said.
“The Government is committed to providing ongoing support for the many veterans, war widows and widowers, current serving Australian Defence Force personnel, and their families living in the region.”
BEST grants assist the largely voluntary ESO workforce to offer a range of veteran support measures, including salaries for trained advocates and pension staff, and administrative needs, including essential office supplies such as computer equipment and internet access.
For more information about BEST grants, visit www.dva.gov.au/grants or call 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia.
