The Vietnam Veterans’, Peacekeepers’ & Peacemakers’ Association of Australia, Central Coast Sub-Branch Inc., has been awarded $38,408 under the Albanese Labor Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program.

Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP announced the funding when he visited the Ettalong Beach veterans centre and met with volunteers of the organisation recently.

“Australians that have served our nation in conflicts around the world in the past, and those presently serving, deserve our utmost gratitude and thanks. It is an honour to be able to provide this funding to the Vietnam Veterans’, Peacekeepers’ & Peacemakers’ Association of Australia, Central Coast Sub-Branch Inc., who do an exceptional work assisting veterans with social services and a range of other assistance”. Dr Reid said.

“It was an insightful meeting with several volunteers at the centre who spoke with me about the challenges they face daily helping veterans access pensions and entitlements that they are eligible for. They also provide referral services to other key government agencies and departments, as well as perform social and mental health support”. Said Dr Reid.

“I look forward to supporting this excellent service throughout my term and I thank all the volunteers associated with the centre in Ettalong Beach”. Dr Reid said.

Vietnam Veterans’, Peacekeepers’ & Peacemakers’ Association of Australia, Central Coast Sub-Branch Inc., Treasurer, Mr Wayne Jennings, said the funding will go towards supporting the centre’s volunteers undertake their services.

“There are 240 veterans on the Central Coast who benefit from the centre’s services as well as their partners and families. This funding will be used to help support our volunteers continue providing this crucial support to those veterans, partners, and families moving into the future”. Mr Jennings said.

“The centre also provides education to local schools, including through our NAM Bus, that is driven to schools where students get to learn more about the Vietnam War and see some of the artefacts that are kept within the bus”. Mr Jennings said.

The 2022-23 Building Excellence in Support and Training Grants are an important part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to supporting ex-service organisations in providing compensation, welfare advocacy, and supporting veterans and their family’s seeking compensation and other assistance.

ENDS