Grants open for Wide Bay ex-service organisations

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging local ex-service organisations (ESOs) to apply for the 2021 Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program.

The program, which is open now, provides funding to help organisations supporting veterans and their families with costs such as paying the salary costs of administrative assistants and advocates, and any equipment they might need to deliver their services.

“Ex-service organisations play a vital role in supporting our veterans and their families, and this funding means they can have the right tools, equipment, and resources to carry out this important work,” Mr O’Brien said.

“BEST grants help Wide Bay’s ESOs provide vital services for current and former serving men and women, from advocacy work such as helping with their entitlement or compensation claims, to leisure activities or hosting commemorative events.

“The services provided by ESOs can make a real difference to veterans and their families in Wide Bay, empowering them to improve their health and wellbeing, stay healthy, and engage in a full life, so I encourage all veterans’ organisations to apply for a BEST grant.”

Applications for the grants are now open online, with advocacy service providers encouraged to submit their application before the closing date of 14 April 2021.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers a range of grant programs to assist with providing support to veterans and their families. To apply for a grant or for further information on BEST grants visit the Community Grants Hub website https://www.communitygrants.gov.au.