The Vietnam Veterans’, Peacekeepers’ & Peacemakers’ Association of Australia Central Coast Sub-Branch has been awarded $38,408 under the Federal Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program.
Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, announced the funding when he visited the Ettalong Beach veterans’ centre and met with volunteers of the organisation recently.
“Australians who have served our nation in conflicts around the world, and those presently serving, deserve our utmost gratitude and thanks,” Reid said.
“It is an honour to be able to provide this funding to the Central Coast Sub-Branch, which does exceptional work assisting veterans with social services and a range of other assistance.
“It was an insightful meeting with several volunteers at the centre who spoke with me about the challenges they face daily helping veterans access pensions and entitlements.
“They also provide referral services to other key government agencies and departments, as well as perform social and mental health support.
“I look forward to supporting this excellent service throughout my term and I thank all the volunteers associated with the centre in Ettalong Beach.”
Sub-Branch Treasurer, Wayne Jennings, said the funding will go towards supporting the centre’s volunteers as they perform their services.
“There are 240 veterans on the Central Coast who benefit from the centre’s services as well as their partners and families,” he said.
“This funding will be used to help support our volunteers providing crucial support to those veterans, partners, and families moving into the future.
“The centre also provides education to local schools, including through our Nam Bus, which is driven to schools where students get to learn more about the Vietnam War and see some of the artefacts that are kept within the bus.”
Source:
Media release, Sep 27
Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid