Overall 141 organisations will share in a total of nearly $3.8 million (GST exclusive) in funding allocated in the restored Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program, including $6250 for Warrnambool’s South West Veterans Centre.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the grant would assist the largely voluntary ex-service organisation workforce to help the local veteran and defence communities, and their families, access Department of Veterans’ Affairs entitlements and services.

“This funding will help the South West Veterans Centre continue their good work with local veterans and I congratulate them for their ongoing commitment to the local veteran community,” Mr Tehan said.

He said the funding included an additional $1 million reinstated as part of the 2014-2015 budget.

“The Abbott government has restored advocacy and support funding for the veteran community which was cut by Labor. 

“The 2014-15 budget provides an additional $1 million per year to the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program over the forward estimates. This funding will support the work of veterans’ advocates in helping veterans, war widows and widowers to access important information and services.

“The additional funding will support the work of veterans’ advocates, welfare and pension officers right across the country and provide them with greater certainty into the future.”

For more information on DVA grants visit www.dva.gov.au/grants or call 1800 555 254.