Grant recipients honour service and strengthen support for veterans

Eleven ex-service and community organisations will share in more than $100,000 in grant funding to strengthen and honour Tasmania’s Veteran community.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Gavin Pearce, said the Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice made by Tasmanian sailor Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean VC.

“Through this grant program we honour Teddy’s sacrifice, and that of our fallen diggers who selflessly gave their lives in the defence of our country,” Minister Pearce said.

“In acknowledgement of the cost of providing services to veterans by ex-service organisations, we have increased the funding pool for this grant program.

“It’s so pleasing to see recipients from right across Tasmania receiving funding to run programs, maintain memorials, and support veterans, their families, and their wider communities.

“These important grants are a reflection of our Liberal Government’s commitment to supporting our Veterans.”

The successful recipients are:

• South Arm RSL Sub-Branch: $10,000 towards the construction and dedication of memorials to Tasmanian military nurses, indigenous servicemen and women, war animals and peacekeepers and peacemakers in the South Arm Memorial Park.
• Military Brotherhood MMC - Tasmania North Sub Branch: $9,008 towards acquiring equipment to support phase two of the firewood services project.
• Forth Valley Lions Club: $6,635 towards upgrading the Forth Valley Cenotaph.
• Tasman Ex-Servicemen & Women's Association: $12,729 towards the cost of repairing the RSL club and upgrading kitchen equipment.
• Launceston RSL Sub-Branch: $10,000 towards purchasing a BBQ trailer for ESO and community groups to use for fundraising and community events.
• New Norfolk Sub-Branch RSL: $10,000 towards the cost of repairing the roof of the club building.
• Maydena RSL Sub Branch: $15,256 towards repairs and upgrades of the club rooms and replacement of club equipment.
• South Riana Memorial Hall: $6,264 to assist with the purchase of equipment to finalise kitchen upgrades.
• Kingston Beach RSL Sub Branch: $5,000 to support phase two of the Kingston Beach war memorial upgrades.
• Ulverstone RSL Sub Branch: $3,658 towards the replacement of the decoration and campaign and medal board for the club; and
• The Veterans' & Families' Centre: $11,450 towards the purchase of equipment used as part of wellbeing programs facilitated by The Veterans’ & Families Centre.