Vietnam Vets receive support service grant
Ettalong's Vietnam Veterans sub-branch has received a Federal Government $38,400 grant to help with its support service.
The Vietnam Veterans', Peacekeepers' and Peacemakers' Association of Australia Central Coast Sub-Branch was awarded the grant under the Building Excellence in Support and Training program for ex-service organisations.
Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid announced the funding when he visited the Ettalong centre and met with volunteers of the organisation.
"It is an honour to be able to provide this funding to the sub-branch, which does exceptional work assisting veterans with social services and a range of other assistance". Dr Reid said.
"It was an insightful meeting with several volunteers at the centre who spoke with me about the challenges they face daily helping veterans access pensions and entitlements.
"They also provide referral services to other key government agencies and departments, as well as performing social and mental health support," he said.
Sub-branch treasurer Mr Wayne Jennings said the funding would go towards supporting the centre's volunteers undertake their services.
"There are 240 veterans on the Central Coast who benefit from the centre's services as well as their partners and families," he said.
"This funding will be used to help support our volunteers providing crucial support to those veterans, partners, and families moving into the future.
"The centre also provides education to local schools, including through our Nam Bus that is driven to schools where students get to learn more about the Vietnam War and see some of the artefacts that are kept in the bus". Mr Jennings said.
SOURCE:
Media release, 27 Sep 2022
Gordon Reid, Member for Robertson