Brightening life for Murgon and South Burnett veterans
More Murgon veterans will be able to take in the sights of the city, and enjoy well-maintained grounds closer to home, with Murgon RSL Sub-Branch to receive $27,692 in funding to support the veteran community, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.
Mr O’Brien said $9,727 would be provided through the Veteran and Community Grants program to enable the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch to conduct three bus trips with up to 30 veterans participating in each.
“This funding will enable the veterans to visit Brisbane for an overnight trip to see museums, a craft show, or other activities, and they will also be able to visit the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum and the Fraser Coast Military Trail,” Mr O’Brien said.
“As many find the distance is too far to drive by themselves, these bus trips provide a valuable social connection, allowing Murgon veterans to have an enjoyable weekend away, and also the opportunity to see landmark memorials like the Duncan Chapman statue at Maryborough.”
The Murgon RSL Sub-Branch also received $1,800 through the Volunteer Grant Program to purchase a lawnmower and whipper snipper to make it easier for the organisation’s volunteers to carry out maintenance.
“Murgon RSL Sub-Branch has more than 90 members and many of them volunteer throughout the year – in fact, last year they gave 14,453 hours of their time which would be worth about $578,000 if it were paid work, and they drove 103,000 kilometres as part of their volunteer duties,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The funding for a lawnmower and gardening gear will make it easier for them to maintain the large block at the end of the South Burnett Rail Trail, and keep the area neat and tidy.”
A further $16,165 grant under the 2020-2021 Veteran and Community Grants program was used to establish a shaded outdoor area and barbecue at the Centre to enable Veterans to socialise in a comfortable safe environment.
“Work is now starting on the new barbecue area at the Murgon RSL Drop-in Centre, which is proving to be a valuable community resource, and the new facilities will make it an even better area for veterans and their families to have space for social activities,” Mr O’Brien said.
Murgon RSL Sub-Branch president Kevin Gill thanked Mr O’Brien for the funding.
“These grants will make a real difference to the Murgon RSL Sub Branch members, and their families as well, benefiting their overall wellbeing and making it easier for them to participate in social activities,” Mr Gill said.
The Veteran & Community Grants program helps local ex-service organisations, veterans groups, community, and private organisations deliver projects that promote a healthy and independent lifestyle.
The funding builds on significant investments by the Coalition Government to assist veterans in Murgon and the South Burnett, including $450,000 for the new Murgon Veterans Drop-in Centre, which was funded as a 2019 election commitment and opened in July last year.
To find out more information visit the Veteran and Community Grants program page on the DVA website or visit the Community Grants Hub.
