Member for Barker, Tony Pasin is encouraging the community and ex-service organisations to apply for two grant schemes to support and recognise local veterans.
The Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service commemorative grants program and the Supporting Younger Veterans grants program are now currently open for applications.
“The Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service commemorative grants program is an example of the Government’s continued support for our past and present servicemen and women. Organisations can apply for grant funding towards activities that assist the health and quality of life for our veterans or commemorative projects that honour our military history,” Mr Pasin said.
Two categories of grants are available under the Saluting Their Service Program:
- Community Commemorative Grants – up to $4,000 in funding is available for projects that assist people at a community level and enable small communities to build memorials and preserve wartime memorabilia that are locally significant. This is a rolling grants program. Applications are accepted at any time and are processed 3–4 times a year. Successful grant applicants receive funding shortly after approval.
- Major Commemorative Grants – funding in excess of $4,000 is available for significant projects at a national or state/territory level. This program has two funding rounds. The first round opens on 1 July and the second round opens on 4 January. Successful grant applicants receive funding shortly after approval.
Last year community groups across Barker were awarded $194,727 collectively in grants.
Examples of local projects funded under this program include history research projects, restoration of memorials, construction of new memorials, flag poles and commemorative ceremonies.
Mr Pasin said the Supporting Younger Veterans grants program recognises the importance of the transition phase for Australian Defence Force personnel as they leave the military.
“$1 million is available in the second round for projects that build community support and service the unique needs of younger veterans transitioning to civilian life,” Mr Pasin said.
Applications are invited for a range of initiatives including mentoring, team building, self-improvement, and creative activities that promote social inclusion and peer-to-peer support for younger veterans.
An enthusiastic response to the first round of Supporting Younger Veterans grants resulted in 11 projects being funded ranging from art, writing and higher education programs to research and support for emergency accommodation.
Mr Pasin said the Supporting Younger Veterans grants program will provide $4.25 million over five years and delivers another election commitment to support the needs of younger veterans as they leave the Australian Defence Force.
“We understand that younger servicemen and women face unique transition challenges as they leave the forces and integrate back into civilian life. These grants will assist in raising awareness of the important issues facing younger veterans,” said Mr Pasin.
Applications for this round of the Supporting Younger Veterans grants will close on 1 September 2017, with successful applicants announced later in the year.
“I encourage the community and ex-service organisations to explore the grants on offer,” Mr Pasin said.
For further information on these programs and others, please see DVA’s website at http://www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/grants
Contact: Courtney Stephens 8531 2466
