The Victorian Government is continuing to support veterans and their families with the announcement of more than $1.1 million in funding for veterans’ organisations throughout the state. Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane this week announced the recipients of three separate veterans’ grants programs; Victoria Remembers Minors, ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund and Restoring Community War Memorials.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today visited the Ballarat RSL Sub Branch in Invermay Park to congratulate President Alan Douglass and welfare officer Lynne Redman on a $10,000 grant. This funding will provide welfare assistance to the veteran community of Ballarat and surrounding districts. It will enable the RSL to assist veterans with utility bills, food vouchers, rent payments, bonds, and transport.

Other Ballarat recipients include

• Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre who will receive $7,400 to establish and maintain a website. Regular virtual news and information will be provided that supports the welfare of veterans, serving members and their families with clear links to local, state and national providers.
• The Legacy Club of Ballarat who will receive $18,000 to provide welfare assistance in the form of a winter heating allowance of $200.00 to Legacy widows and families including disabled dependents of deceased or incapacitated Veterans and who do not hold a Gold Card. (The $200.00 includes a $50.00 contribution from Ballarat Legacy)
• Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee who will receive $6,800 to replace or repair and reinstall commemorative plaques which recognise World War One service men and women in the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.

The 62 projects across the state range from providing mental health and welfare support to the ex-service community to providing ongoing support to organisations impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic. It also includes projects that will preserve the legacy of our veterans for future generations.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison  

“Veterans have sacrificed so much, this is the least that we can do for them and their families.”

 “This funding for the Ballarat RSL sub branch will provide critical health and welfare support to our ex-service men and women and their families during these challenging times.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Ballarat has many veterans that we honour for their sacrifices they made in serving our country, it is our duty now to support them. Through these grants we can help make their lives easier and preserve their legacy for future generations.”

Quotes attributable to President of Ballarat RSL Sub Branch Alan Douglass

“The Ballarat RSL sub branch really appreciates this grant. It has been a very difficult year for us, and we’ve been very limited with our fundraising efforts due to COVID.  

“We normally raise approximately $40,000 on ANZAC day and Remembrance Day, but this year we haven’t had our poppy sellers out on the street.”

“This grant will allow us to continue to assist our veterans and our war widows.”