Inverloch grant has local veterans in mind

INVERLOCH RSL Sub-Branch has been awarded $36,000 for the health and wellbeing of its veterans by initiating a program at the Broadbeach Inverloch Health Centre, engaging veterans with physical activity at a local gym.

They will also receive $6580 for a Inverloch RSL and Legacy Commemorative Garden.

It's all part of a ‘Victoria Remembers and Anzac Day Proceeds Fund grants announced by the Minister for Veterans, Natalie Suleyman, who visited the area recently.

The Minister also announced that applications are opening for two programs supporting building and facility upgrades for community organisations.

The ‘Veterans Capital Works’ program gives local organisations funding to upgrade their buildings and facilities, for Victoria’s veterans. Interested organisations can apply for grants from $5000 up to $50,000 for projects that can be completed within a year.

This program has supported 55 projects since 2021 to complete building and facility upgrades, including Paynesville RSL Sub-Branch which received $50,000 to upgrade their club building.

The ‘Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour' program provides grants of up to $30,000 for projects that restore community war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour and closes on January 29.

The ‘Anzac Day Proceeds Fund’ supports ex-service organisations to deliver a range of activities that boost the wellbeing of veterans, with 19 organisations supported to continue their work delivering important services to veterans and their families.

Among the latest RSL Sub-branches to receive funding it Inverloch.

“Volunteer-run community groups do vital work to conserve and maintain war memorials, honour rolls, and the avenues of honour – we’re proud to support them,” said Bass MP Jordan Crugnale.

Grants have also been awarded to 27 projects through the Victoria Remembers grant program, which provides grants of up to $30,000 for projects that honour veterans’ service or educate Victorians on veterans’ contributions.

For example, Ararat Legacy has been awarded a grant for the "Legacy in Schools" program, which includes an ANZAC Trip to the Shrine of Remembrance and Legacy Junior Public Speaking Awards, in partnership with regional schools Ararat Marian, Stawell, Lake Bolac, Beaufort Secondary Colleges and Avoca Primary School.

“These grants provide organisations with support for their work honouring and supporting the veteran community and deliver meaningful projects right across the State,” said Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman.