$1.5M to be given to veteran health and wellbeing projects

28/05/2009-

Encouraging veterans, war widows, widowers and their families to become involved in local health and wellbeing activities, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, has announced more than $1.5 million in funding to support 103 initiatives across Australia.

Griffin said the total funding allocation of $1,518,040 would benefit some 46,000 veterans, war widows and widowers as well as their families and demonstrates the Australian Government’s support to organisations dedicated to caring for the veteran community.

“Veteran & Community Grants provide funding to local and community organisations to support their role in ensuring the veteran community have access to social and healthy activities,” Griffin said.

“The funding will help support a range of initiatives including health, nutrition and exercise sessions.

“Veteran & Community Grants also help fund local initiatives that improve access to community care services and encourage social interaction through Day Clubs, Men’s Sheds and social excursions.

“It is important that the veteran community have access to a range of programs that teach them skills to help them remain independent and active, particularly for the elderly living by themselves.”

Griffin said hundreds of local and community organisations benefit from Australian Government funding each year.

Griffin encouraged local and community organisations interested in applying for funding to visit www.dva.gov.au/health/grants or contact their nearest DVA office on 133 254 (for metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers).