Seventy seven community projects across Australia will receive an average of more than $10,000 each to improve veteran health and independence, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced today. Mr Griffin said the total grant allocation of $829,476 demonstrated the Rudd Government's commitment to supporting organisations dedicated to caring for veterans and their dependants.

"The Veteran & Community Grants program provides seed funding to local and community organisations for projects that directly support local veteran communities," Mr Griffin said. "It is important that veterans have access to a range of programs that teach them skills to help them remain independent and active, particularly for the elderly living by themselves. Today's funding supports a range of projects to encourage veterans to learn new life skills including Cooking for One or Two programs, healthy living and computer skills courses."

"Veteran & Community Grants also help fund local initiatives that improve access to community care services and encourage social interaction through Day Clubs, Men's Sheds and social excursions," the Minister said. Mr Griffin said hundreds of local and community organisations had benefited from more than $1.5 million in funding through grants programs since the Federal election last year.

Mr Griffin encouraged local and community organisations interested in applying for funding to visit www.dva.gov.au/health/grants or contact their nearest DVA office on 133 254 (for metropolitan callers) or 1800
555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers).