Minister Suleyman happy for future initiatives at Korumburra RSL

STATE Government Minister for Veterans, Natalie Suleyman, and Upper House Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, visited the Korumburra RSL sub-branch on Tuesday, hearing its president David Jackson expressing his appreciation of recent government support, and sharing his plans for the future.

The government provided over $14,000 towards now completed replacement window frames and external painting of the RSL clubrooms.

While Korumburra RSL’s next project, a revamp of its billiard room, is being funded locally, there are further plans to install a new kitchen and to provide upgraded accessible toilet facilities.

Mr Jackson spoke of the importance of ensuring the long-term future of the sub-branch for modern day veterans who will value its services in the future.

“We’re here to look after their needs,” he said, explaining that the RSL provides a place to go for comradeship and conversation.

Ms Suleyman expressed her appreciation of the contribution veterans have made to Australia, acknowledging their service and sacrifice as well as that of their families.

“We’re forever grateful for your courage,” she said.

Visiting RSL sub-branches throughout Victoria and working with those in organisations such as Legacy and Soldier On is an honour, Ms Suleyman declared.

She commented on the completion of the windows and external painting at Korumburra RSL, alluding to the need for future assistance.

“I’m happy to hear the project has been successful and I’ve already heard of numerous new projects,” she said.

Ms Suleyman added that shortly the Government will announce its next round of grants, including those for restoring avenues of honour and war memorials, and for capital works, encouraging those at Korumburra RSL to work with their local member, Mr McIntosh.

“I’ll be eagerly awaiting Tom’s advocacy,” she said of her expectations of helping with further improvements at the sub-branch.

During her visit, Ms Suleyman urged veterans and current service personnel to take advantage of the Victorian Veterans Card introduced by the State Government this year, describing it as “a small way of saying thank you to our veterans and their families”.

The card provides a variety of concessions, including on car registration and fishing licences, and allows for free public transport travel on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

Ms Suleyman also highlighted the importance of the Government’s jobs program that assists people to transfer from military service to civilian life.

“In the last 12 months, we’ve been able to reach our target of over 1400 young veterans who were able to transition successfully into secure government jobs through our projects,” she said of the initiative which involves government and Major General David McLachlan.