AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FUNDING SUPPORTS LOCAL VETERANS

The Gympie and Murgon RSL Sub-Branches have received funding from the Australian Government to support regional veterans and their families.

“Gympie RSL Sub-Branch received $63,592 from the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grant program, to assist veterans with advocacy, wellbeing, support and compensation claims,” Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

“The Murgon RSL Sub-Branch has received $7,610 from the BEST program to support veterans in the South Burnett region.”

BEST funding is intended to be a contribution towards the costs incurred by ex-service organisations in providing advocacy services to the defence and veteran communities.

“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides identified the negative impact that the arduous claims process and long wait to receive entitlements can have on the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families, and the BEST funding will support the Sub-Branch advocates in the important work they do preparing claims paperwork,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Australia owes a debt of gratitude to our current and ex-service personnel, and the support and compensation process should be made as simple as possible to ensure veterans receive the support and assistance they are entitled to.”

“The BEST funding will go a long way towards helping the Gympie and Murgon RSL Sub Branches with the services they provide to our local veterans.”