Thursday, 4 August 2022

Ministers statements: veterans support

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Veterans) (12:27): Today I would like to update the house on the opening of the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and the Victoria Remembers grants on 20 July. The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund provides practical support to the veteran community through funding of a range of wellbeing-related activities. To be eligible for the funding, an organisation must demonstrate that its principal objective is to provide wellbeing support for the ex-service community. Grants from this program can be used to direct welfare services, programs, assistance and welfare for those in the ex-service community who are socially isolated. Statewide organisations can apply for up to $150 000 and sub-branches for up to $50 000. With the Victoria Remembers grant program, organisations can apply for up to $30 000 for a project honouring and commemorating veteran services and educating Victorians about veterans’ contributions. This funding is distributed through the Victorian Veterans Council, and can I say they are doing a fantastic job and wish them luck in their first ex-service organisations summit on the weekend. Funding for this grant comes from the Community Support Fund, which means organisations that receive revenue from this fund can apply. These grants close on 22 August, so I would encourage all organisations that do a great job in supporting veterans and their families to apply.