Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today encouraged local community and ex-service organisations to apply for grants for projects that deliver sustainable services for younger veterans.

Mr Vasta said the Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) grants program recognises the importance of the transition phase for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel as they leave the military.

“$1 million is available in this second round for projects that build community support and service the unique needs of younger veterans transitioning to civilian life,” Mr Vasta said.

He invited applications for a range of initiatives including mentoring, team building, self-improvement, and creative activities that promote social inclusion and peer-to-peer support for younger veterans. 

“There was a great response to the first round of SYV grants and 11 projects were funded. These ranged from art, writing and higher education programs to research and support for emergency accommodation,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the SYV grants program will provide $4.25 million over five years and delivers another election commitment to support the needs of younger veterans as they leave the ADF. 

“We understand that younger servicemen and women face unique transition challenges as they leave the ADF and integrate back into civilian life. These grants will assist in raising awareness of the important issues facing younger veterans,” Mr Tehan said.

Applications for this round of SYV grants will close on 1 September 2017, with successful applicants announced later in the year.

More information about the SYV grants program, including how to submit an application, can be found online at www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/grants or by contacting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said veterans and their families in the Manly-Lota area would benefit from Australian Government grant funding for a local project.

Mr Vasta said the Returned and Services League of Australia’s Manly-Lota Sub-Branch had been awarded $37,800 to install air-conditioning at its community hall in Manly under the Veteran and Community Grants program.

“By providing funding to local organisations for special projects, the Government is helping improve the lives of veterans, their families and local communities,” Mr Vasta said.

“The dedication and hard work of organisations such as Manly-Lota RSL ensure veterans and their families receive services, support and opportunities to play a bigger role in our community.
  
“Manly-Lota RSL has a well-deserved reputation for its commitment to improving the lives of those who have served our nation and these grants are another way we honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in defence of our country.”

President of Manly-Lota RSL, Doug Jones welcomed the announcement.

“Air-conditioning for the hall will not only benefit the older ex-diggers, but also other citizens who use the hall. There are 27 community organisations that currently use the hall,” Mr Jones said.

“Temperatures can get quite hot inside the hall, so this will make it more comfortable for the people inside particularly the elderly.”

Ex-service and community organisations, veteran groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the veteran community are eligible to apply for funding through the DVA Veteran and Community Grants program.

For more information about the Veteran and Community Grants program or to apply, visit the DVA website www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/grants or contact your nearest DVA office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia.  

Applications are now open to nominate a worthy serviceman or woman for a Certificate of Appreciation under the Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

“Certificates of Appreciation are a way of expressing the nation’s gratitude to those who served in the defence forces or on the home front in the Second World War, or in wars, conflicts and peace operations overseas since the Second World War,” Mr Vasta said.

Certificates of Appreciation are available to those who contributed to Australia’s efforts in the following conflicts and events:

• Second World War, for service in the Australian armed forces or on the home front;
• British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) Japan;
• Korean War;
• Malayan Emergency;
• Indonesian Confrontation;
• Vietnam War;
• Gulf War;
• Iraq War; 
• War in Afghanistan; and
• Peace Operations.

Veterans and those who served in the wars, conflicts and peace operations for which certificates are available, as well as family members of deceased eligible persons, can apply for Certificates of Appreciation.

Application forms are available from Ross Vasta’s office, DVA offices or can be downloaded from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at http://www.dva.gov.au/dvaforms (click on Topics and select Certificate of Appreciation forms).