Ex-service organisations and veteran advocacy groups on the Mid North Coast provide valuable support to local veterans and their family members.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said two local services would receive a total of $32,000 through the Australian Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program.

“Congratulations to the successful applicants for this round: Veterans Centre Mid-North Coast and Coffs Coast Legacy,” he said.

“Your service to our local veterans and their families is highly regarded and is a credit to your organisations’ volunteers.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the government is committed to providing support to local communities and the advocacy services offered by ex-service organisations.

“The BEST grants program will fund a range of essential support measures offered by ex-service organisations, advocates and welfare practitioners, so they can continue to provide advice and assistance to the veteran and defence community,” Mr Chester said.

“More than 160 ex-service organisations across Australia have shared in $4.2 million this grant round.”

The Australian Government funds the BEST grants program through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The program delivers appropriate localised support and resources to veteran and defence communities across Australia.

Coffs Coast Legacy has received $17,488 this BEST round and Veterans Centre Mid-North Coast – $15,477.

Coffs Coast Legacy Community Liaison Jane Sury said the funding would help Legacy to deliver its wellbeing services throughout the Coffs Coast region.

“We support the widows of veterans and we also provide care for the families of veterans who now suffer from ill health,” Mrs Sury said.

“This grant will reimburse our volunteers for their travel costs, help with our organisation’s administration costs and purchase a lap-top computer so we can provide compensation and wellbeing advocacy on the go.”

Veterans Centre Mid-North Coast Advocate Richard Kelloway said the funding would help the advocacy group keep its office functioning.

“This funding will help to cover the cost of our office information technology, communication, consumables and our volunteers’ travel expense to and from the centre,” he said.

“There is a large demand for our support from older and especially younger veterans, as there is for all ex-service organisations.

“Our group is always looking for people willing to volunteer to work for the benefit of our veterans and I encourage anyone interested to contact me on advocate@vcmnc.org.au.

“Veterans Centre Mid-North Coast has just started using Microsoft Teams software, so volunteers can connect with veterans and their families virtually, rather than physically should they wish to, due to the current social distancing guidelines.”

For more information on BEST grants visit www.dva.gov.au/grants

Media Contact:
Mr Chester – Rachel Tharratt 02 6277 7820
Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744