Grants for ex-service groups

Four local ex-services organisations have received grants for their operation.

The Gosford City Sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association of Australia based at Ettalong Beach received a grant funding for $8000 towards travel expenses and consumables.

The Woy Woy Ettalong Hardy's Bay RSL Sub-branch received a grant of $7785 for travel expenses and a part-time administrative assistant's salary.

A total of $903 was granted to the Brisbane Water Branch of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association Australia for travel and consumables.

The 32 JTRE Association also received a funding grant for consumables to the total of $655.

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal presented Vietnam Veterans sub-branch president Mr Richard Gray with a grant allocation at a hand-over ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Ettalong Beach foreshore.

Ms Neal said the funding for all four organisations in Robertson had been approved by the Minister for Veterans Affairs Mr Alan Griffin, as part of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program.

"Many veterans look to local ex-service organisations as a first point of contact for advice on getting government services and benefits and it's important for these organisations to have the tools and equipment they need to provide that service,"

"This funding will help ex-service organisations employ trained advocates, pension and welfare officers and meet ongoing running costs.

"I am very pleased that four ex-service organisations in Robertson have been granted to help them continue their valuable community work," Ms Neal said.

Press release, 4 Aug 2008 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson