Veterans’ advocacy services today received a boost, with more than 119 ex-service organisations (ESOs) across Australia sharing in $4.45 million of funding under the Australian Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the BEST grants program helps fund a range of support services delivered by ESOs, to provide localised advice and assistance to veterans and families through wellbeing and compensation advocates.
“ESOs play a vital role in supporting more than half a million veterans across the country, so it’s important they have the resources they need to deliver their important services,” Minister Keogh said.
“This program provides ESOs with the funding and resources to assist our veterans and families who may need help with claims, accessing health, housing and other community services.
“The grant funding is a contribution towards the wages of compensation advocates and their support staff, as well as equipment and administration expenses they may require as part of delivering services to veterans and families.
“Veterans and families are encouraged to access the additional support services available to them by connecting in with their local ex-service organisation.
“I congratulate our 2022-23 BEST grant recipients and want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to delivery high quality support services to our veterans and families.”