Funding boost for Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch to support local veterans
Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch in Bonner have been awarded $23,609 from the Morrison Government to support local veterans and their families.
They are among 127 ex-service organisations (ESOs) sharing in $4.35 million through the 2021 round of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said that ESOs in Bonner play a crucial role for local veterans and their families, ensuring they are well supported.
“I would like to thank all ESOs that provide advocacy services in Bonner who continue to provide vital services to our local veteran community,” Mr Vasta said.
“Manly Lota RSL Sub-Branch has been providing a respectful, supportive and inclusive space for our veterans for decades. They are dedicated to keeping the memory of Anzac Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, and Remembrance Day alive for generations to come.
“Currently, they are managing over 250 veterans’ cases, meaning a key focus of their work is staying up to date with matters of interest to veterans and the broader community.
“This funding is critical to supporting this; equipping the branch with the technology to research cases, ensuring software is up to date as well as the contacting of veterans and ongoing administration.
“It will also extend into making sure the branch can continue to host meaningful community events like morning teas, Remembrance Day ceremonies and various occasions where they can reach out to veterans.
“It will not only make an invaluable difference to the branch, but also to its members and our community.”
Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch Advocate Mark Gallagher said, “Thank you to the Morrison Government for their significant contribution to our branch.”
“It will make possible our day-to-day work to deliver veterans the support they need and deserve to get on with their lives.”
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 Bonner.
“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