Grants for veterans

THREE Ballarat veterans’ groups have received Federal Government funding to upgrade their facilities and expand operations.

More than $90,000 was awarded to the Ballarat RSL sub-branch, Vietnam Veterans Association and Path of the Horse, and Federal member for Ballarat Catherine King said they were deserving recipients.

“We owe our veteran community so much; it is only fitting that these organisations receive this opportunity to grow and expand their services even more broadly through Ballarat,” she said.

“These grants will keep people connected, support veteran’s mental and physical health and ensure they have a welcoming, accessible environment in which to meet.”

The Veteran and Community Grant to the Ballarat RSL sub-branch will see them receive $5000 for a weekly coffee club, while the Vietnam Veterans Association were awarded almost $21,000 to improve facility access and install shade covering.

The Path of the Horse will receive around $18,000 to upgrade respite facilities, and around $49,000 will be used to provide an equine therapy program from a second Supporting Younger Veterans Grant.

“The Ballarat RSL, Vietnam Veterans Association and Path of the Horse are all wonderful local groups. I look forward to seeing them all put this funding to good use,” Ms King said.