FUNDING WELCOMED FOR LOCAL VETERANS’ EVENTS
THE HON GREG COMBET AM MP
Federal Member for Charlton
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Minister for Industry and Innovation
MEDIA RELEASE
20 June 2012
Close to $16,000 will be provided to Veterans’ organisations in Charlton through the Federal Government’s Veteran and Community Grants program:
The National Servicemen’s Association of Australia, Westlake Macquarie Sub-branch will receive $9,630 for a series of bus trips aimed at reducing social isolation and increasing social interaction for members.
Boolaroo Speers Point RSL Sub-branch will receive $3,658 to purchase a portable public address system to enhance veteran activities in the community.
The Reserve Forces Day Hunter Region Council Incorporated will receive $2,639 to purchase a laptop computer and printing equipment to produce a newsletter.
“This is a popular funding program with the veteran community of Charlton, which helps organisations improve and expand services for members and their families,” Mr Combet said.
“I have supported these applications, so I’m particularly pleased to see funding delivered where I know it is needed.”
Boolaroo Speers Point RSL Sub-branch President, Lyle Dalton, was encouraged to apply for funding after the PA system cut out during last year’s Remembrance Day service. Whilst the ingenuity of a quick-thinking sub-branch member saved the day – a working fuse was sourced from a decommissioned army vehicle parked nearby – it was clear a new PA system was desperately needed for future events, which consistently draw large crowds at the Speers Point cenotaph.
“The PA system means that our members who are hard of hearing will feel included in events and activities,” Mr Dalton said.
“It will come-in handy at our annual remembrance services attended by members and the wider community.”
The Veteran and Community Grant program is administered by the Department of Veterans’ affairs. It aims to support community activities that promote healthy lifestyles for veterans and assist them to live independently.
Further information on the Veteran and Community Grants program is available at www.dva.gov.au