The Palaszczuk Government has provided more than $1.6 million in grants to over 200 ex-service organisations to ensure ongoing support for veterans and their families.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the latest funding through two Anzac Day Trust grants programs in Parliament today and said it would assist thousands of veterans throughout Queensland.
"Our government is proud to provide funding to the many organisations which directly support the health and wellbeing of our veteran community," the Premier said.
"Our veterans, and the ex-service organisations supporting them, have contributed so much to Queensland and it is important they continue to receive funding.
"The annual Anzac Day Trust Grants Program has awarded $1,501,072 to 186 ex-service organisations including the Caloundra branch of Australian War Widows Queensland.
"Australian War Widows Queensland celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
"We will honour the people left behind by those who served Australia on the inaugural annual War Widows Day in Queensland on 19 October 2022."
Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans' Affairs Bart Mellish MP said the grants would make a real difference.
"Anzac Day Trust programs deliver much needed funding to the many ex-service organisations dedicated to supporting the Queensland veteran community," Mr Mellish said.
"Many of the organisations operate on a voluntary basis, and it is encouraging to know our veterans and their families will continue to receive support and practical help with matters such as household and medical expenses, social inclusion, welfare programs and educational bursaries."
The Anzac Day Trust COVID-19 Grants Program supports veterans affected by the pandemic, and for organisations to deliver Covid-safe events.
The program has awarded $139,510.52 to 17 ex-service organisations, including RSL sub-branches at Magnetic Island, Mudjimba and Kilcoy, the Royal Marines Association Queensland and the Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-servicemen and Women in Far North Queensland.
"The COVID-19 grants program was created as a 2020 election commitment to provide an additional $1 million over four years to those organisations impacted by the pandemic," the Premier said.
"Queenslanders are proud of our veterans and the Anzac Day Trust grants programs ensure their everyday needs are met for a brighter future."
The next round of applications for the Anzac Day Trust Grants Program and the Anzac Day Trust COVID-19 Grants Program will open in 2023.
The full list of 2022 recipients can be found at the Queensland Veterans' Portal at www.qld.gov.au/veterans.
