Guy Barnett,Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Supporting Tasmania’s veterans and ex-serving personnel and honouring the sacrifice of our servicemen and women is a priority for the Tasmanian Liberal Government.
This coming Remembrance Day, I encourage all Tasmanians to reflect on the sacrifice made by so many to ensure we enjoy the freedoms we do today.
The Government is continuing to support the health and wellbeing of our veterans and ex-serving personnel through a range of initiatives, and I’m pleased to announce that Point Assist are set to commence the third Veterans Active Recreation Program trek in the next fortnight.
The trek is a part of a program which provides veterans with an outdoor recreation experience that aims to support positive mental health outcomes. The Government committed $225,000 to the Program as part of our 2018 election platform.
In addition, I’m pleased to announce that 15 organisations from across Tasmania will receive a total of $50,000 funding from the first round of the 2021-22 Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program.
The Program was established as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice made by Tasmanian sailor Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean VC, who gave his life for his country and fellow shipmates during a battle in 1942 off the coast of East Timor.
Teddy was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross last year for his actions after a long running campaign by the family and others last year.
Some of the projects to receive funding include:
*Esperance RSL Sub Branch – $678 for a memorial plaque for Teddy Sheean VC;
*Longford RSL Memorial Club -$5,566 for upgrade of the toilets at ANZAC Hall;
*Railton RSL Sub Branch – $4,550 for its renewal program; and
*Brighton Green Ponds RSL Sub Branch – $4,032 for the Melton Mowbray Memorial.
A full list of the successful applicants will be available on the Department of Communities Tasmania website at www.communities.tas.gov.au/csr
