RSL Sub-Branch receive grant to support health and well-being of Hawkesbury veterans

Announced last month the group received $1428 under the Federal Government's Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program, announced last month, to help them purchase new administrative equipment.

"Ex-service organisations like the Windsor RSL Sub-Branch play a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of the defence and veteran communities," said Federal Macquarie MP Susan Templeman.

"The BEST grants program provides these groups with an opportunity to expand their services to better support veterans and their families.

"These grants are an important way to assist ex-service organisations, who are committed to helping our veteran community in the Hawkesbury, and I encourage veterans who may need additional assistance to reach out to them."

A spokesperson for Western Sydney Senator Marise Payne said, "the ex-service organisations (ESOs) provide invaluable support to our veterans and their families".

"We know that with the onset of COVID-19, it has been a particularly difficult year for the veteran community.

"We are really pleased that several ESOs across Western Sydney have received funding under the BEST grants program, including the Windsor & District RSL Sub-Branch.

"BEST grant funding will help enable the Sub-Branch to continue to undertake their important welfare and advocacy work."

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said staying connected with local ex-service organisations and other veteran groups that provide advocacy services is vital in ensuring our veteran community is receiving the support they need.

"ESOs complement the support provided by the Department of Veterans' Affairs and show just how deeply the community is committed to putting veterans and their families first," Mr Chester said.

"At this time more than ever, advocacy services through ESOs can help our veterans and their families with their claims, entitlements and other services."

The latest round of the BEST program saw $4.2 million provided nationally to support organisations.

"Unfortunately this doesn't meet all the need that we see in our community. The BEST grants haven't increased for some time, and we need to have a boost to the level of funding in future rounds," said Ms Templeman.

"Many ex-service organisations are volunteer run and cover the cost of their vital welfare and advocacy work for local veterans out of their own pocket.

"We know the veteran support system can be complex and difficult to navigate, and that many veterans and their families rely on these organisations to access the payments and other support they need.

"Our defence personnel based at RAAF Richmond and Glenbrook is such an important part of our local community, and I know veteran services provide much-needed assistance."

For more information on the BEST grants, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au/grants.