The funding will support four ex-service organisations (ESOs) across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Scenic Rim, which perform a critical role in assisting veterans navigate the complex veteran support system.
Offering informed and accurate advice for no fee, this funding will support ESOs in providing free advocates to aid veterans and their families with navigating the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims system.
The funding is being delivered through the 2025-26 Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants Program.
In this latest BEST grants funding round, Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch received $3,956.61 and the Veterans' Advocacy Community of Practice Brisbane West based at Goodna received $128,985.75, while Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch in the Somerset Region received $12,422.88.
In addition, the Kalbar RSL Sub Branch in the Scenic Rim was sponsored by Ipswich Railway Sub Branch to the tune of $477.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said ex-service organisations, community organisations and other local veteran groups played a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the local defence and veteran communities.
“The BEST Grants Programs supports ex-service organisations to vital advocacy services for veterans and families to help them navigate Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims, and access payments and other support,” Mr Neumann said.
“I congratulate and thank these organisations who do an outstanding job supporting veterans and their families in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area, and I encourage veterans who may require assistance to reach out to them.
“We know DVA claims processes can be complex and difficult to navigate. Many veterans and their families face a range of challenging circumstances, and rely on these organisations to access the entitlements and other assistance they need.”
This Albanese Government funding will assist ESOs with the cost of staff salaries, administration, office equipment and travel to offer localised advice and assistance through experienced wellbeing and compensation advocates.
The list of recipients and grant amounts for this round is below. For more information on BEST grants, visit the DVA website at https://www.dva.gov.au/dvagrants
Veteran advocates can be found on the department’s Advocacy Register at:
https://www.advocateregister.org.au/
This is a national database that provides contact details for free advocacy services across Australia.
The qualified advocates listed on the register have undertaken training through DVA’s Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP). The ATDP offers nationally consistent training in wellbeing support and claims assistance.
More information on ATDP can be found here: https://web.atdp.org.au/
