Members of the Australian Light Horse Association participate in a re-enactment ride to commemorate the Battle of Beersheba in Israel. Photo by Corporal Nunu Campos.

Veteran organisations get $3.8m funding

29/08/2018 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2104 Views 0 Comments

More than $3.8 million in funding will be provided to veteran organisations providing essential advice, advocacy and welfare services for veterans, serving members and their families along with war widows and widowers through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program.

FILE PHOTO (October 2017): Members of the Australian Light Horse Association participate in a re-enactment ride to commemorate the Battle of Beersheba in Israel. Photo by Corporal Nunu Campos.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said ex-service organisations (ESOs) were making a real difference in the lives of veterans and Australian Defence Force personnel, by providing essential services they need – and this funding would go a long way to continuing that.

“I am pleased to announce that this year the BEST grants program will support 159 ex-service organisations across Australia to continue providing support and advice to the veteran community,” Mr Chester said.

“The ESO community in Australia plays an essential role in supporting our veterans and this funding helps these organisations continue their essential work – veterans helping other veterans, when they need it.

“Congratulations to all successful organisations and thank you for the work you do to support our veterans and their families.”

Mr Chester said BEST grants fund ESOs for a range of veteran support measures, including salaries for trained advocates and pension staff, essential office supplies, computer equipment, internet access or other administrative needs.

For more information on BEST grants visit www.dva.gov.au/grants or call 133 254 or 1800 555 254 for regional callers.

Note: The minister’s press release said “A list of grant recipients is attached” – but it wasn’t.