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Dateline
- April 15, 2008
Kokoda
Track contribution commemorates 90th Anniversary of Australia
Repatriation |
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Staff at the Department of Veterans' Affairs are aiming to raise
$25,000 to support the Kokoda Track Foundation, in a special initiative
to mark the 90th anniversary of the Australian repatriation system.
The Governor-General and patron of the Kokoda Track Foundation,
Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC, and the Minister for
Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin, today officially launched the
fundraising program in Canberra.
"The Repatriation Commission commenced operations in April
1918, to administer compensation, income support, health care
and other services for Australian veterans of wars and conflicts,"
Mr Griffin said. "Over 90 years, the Commission has been
supported in its work by staff of the Department of Veterans'
Affairs (DVA), which was known until 1976 as the Repatriation
Department. DVA staff are proud of their history of service to
the Australian veteran community and this shows in their decision
to contribute to the Kokoda Track Foundation."
The Foundation was established in 2003 in recognition of the assistance
given to Australian soldiers during the Second World War by the
people of Papua New Guinea, including the 'Fuzzy-Wuzzy Angels'
- the Kioari and Orokaivean people living along the Kokoda Track.
It aims to promote education, health and sporting initiatives
designed to enhance the well-being, future and enjoyment of the
local communities on the Track.
The Minister said DVA staff had already raised $10,000 for the
Foundation through fund-raising at their offices around Australia.
Staff will have the opportunity for the rest of the year to contribute
regularly through a salary deduction program.
"The staff of my Department provide great support to the
veteran community on behalf of the Government, by administering
taxpayer's funds for veterans' services. They are to be congratulated
for taking the opportunity to make their
own, personal contribution to such a worthy cause," Mr Griffin
said.
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