This week the government announced two grant recipients with the Hume Veterans Information Centre also receiving funding of $70,660.
GVR executive chairman Phil Thompson said the money would be used to support the group's advocacy for the local veteran community.
“All the work that is done here is totally voluntary,” Mr Thompson said.
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“And one of the conditions of this money is that your it is used to support the work of volunteers.
“So we will be using it to support our advocacy work in areas like as the wellbeing of our local veterans.
“So if, for example a veteran comes to us and is experiencing homelessness or financial hardship we would do a lot of work to assist them to get back on their feet.
“That might be seeking resources to help them, for example.
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“But this funding will also be used to run the admin and advocacy programs behind the support.
“We have some people contact us who are about to leave the military.
“So we might help them look into any compensation claims they might have, or we might help them seek support for an ongoing injury.
“And we would work with them during their transition out of the ADF.
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“So there is lots of different things we do to support our veterans.”
Federal Senator for Victoria Jane Hume said providing support to local communities and the advocacy services offered by ex-service organisations (ESOs) were particularly important while we experienced unprecedented times with the coronavirus pandemic.
“The BEST grants program will fund a range of essential support measures offered by ESOs, advocates and welfare practitioners for them to continue to provide advice and assistance to the veteran and defence community” Senator Hume said.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester congratulated successful applicants.
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“Thank you to the whole ex-service community across the country who always put veterans and their families first,” Mr Chester said.
“I encourage the veteran community to continue to stay in contact with the DVA and other local veteran community groups during this time to ensure they are receiving the most appropriate care and support.”
The Australian Government funds the BEST grants program through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The program delivers appropriate localised support and resources to veteran and defence communities across Australia.
● For more information on BEST grants, visit the grants page at this link.
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