The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to support and honour Victoria's veteran community, backing dozens of programs to boost the wellbeing of veterans and their families.
Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane today announced almost $1 million in grants, recognising the enormous sacrifices of veterans and their families and ensuring these are remembered across our state.
More than $806,000 is being invested in 22 projects through the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund, which supports wellbeing-related activities.
Recipients include Soldier On, an organisation that supports serving and ex-serving veterans and their families to thrive, which will use a $150,000 grant to run three wellness weekends in Sale, Wodonga and Puckapunyal.
Another recipient is Aussie Veterans Coffee Co, a social enterprise founded by a veteran advocate that sells coffee, tea and hot chocolate and reinvests its profit back to veterans who have been affected by their service, providing employment and social opportunities.
The organisation will receive $66,990 to provide veterans with opportunities to connect with others through activities such as learning to surf, paddle boarding, fishing, mini golf and high tea.
More than $180,400 will also be distributed to 16 projects through the Victoria Remembers Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $30,000 for initiatives that honour or commemorate veterans' service or educate Victorians about the invaluable contributions of veterans
Flemington/Kensington RSL is receiving $12,500 to refurbish display cabinets holding historically important photos, along with $10,000 through the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund to support the local veteran community through welfare assistance and by connection to financial and mental health support.
The Victorian Veterans Council, an independent body that provides advice to the Government on issues affecting the Victorian veteran community, assess applications and allocate grants through these programs.
For more information about grant programs for the veteran community, visit vic.gov.au/grants-support-and-commemorate-veteransExternal Link.
As stated by Minister of Veterans Shaun Leane
"We are providing Victoria's veteran community with the practical support they may need to build a fulfilling life beyond their service - including opportunities to forge social connections and learn new skills."
As stated by Victorian Veterans Council Commodore Chair Greg Yorke, AM, CSC
"We are proud to be supporting the incredible and innovative work happening across the veteran sector, to ensure the veteran community can thrive as they deserve, and that their contributions are remembered and understood."
