Funding boost to support Gympie and Murgon veterans

Gympie and Murgon RSL Sub-Branches will share more than $17,000 through the Coalition Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program to further support local veterans and their families.

“Gympie RSL Sub-Branch will receive $13,059.97 and Murgon RSL Sub-Branch $4,836.75, to help continue their important advocacy work,” Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said.

“I congratulate and thank both of these valued organisations who work tirelessly to support veterans and their families, and I would also like to encourage veterans who may require additional assistance to reach out to them.”

Across Australia, 127 ex-service organisations received $4.35 million through the 2021 round of the BEST Program.

“Ex-service organisations in Wide Bay, and throughout the nation, play a vital role in supporting our veterans and their families and this funding means they can have the necessary tools, equipment, and resources,” Mr O’Brien said.

The grants can be used to cover costs such as salaries for trained pension advocates and administrative assistants; essential equipment and administration expenses including computer equipment; and internet access for pension and welfare work.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the BEST Program assists ESOs across the country to deliver the highest quality services.

“This additional funding will help these groups provide veterans even greater transition support, assistance with claims and entitlements, and access to services such as rehabilitation and wellbeing programs,” Minister Gee said.

“It will make a real difference to those on the ground, providing critical support and resources for veterans in Wide Bay.”

“This year has been tough for many and this funding boost is a clear commitment of the Australian Government’s ongoing support for our ESOs and the local veteran community.”

To apply for future rounds of the BEST Program or for further information, including a full list of successful recipients, visit the Community Grants Hub website https://www.communitygrants.gov.au