This week I was happy to announce that the 2020-21 round of the Australian Government’s Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) grants program is now open to ex-service organisations (ESOs) and their partner community groups and organisations in Central Queensland.
This program provides $1 million in funding to support the mental health and well being of younger veterans. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for local, community-based projects and activities, and a small number of large grants of up to $150,000 are also available for projects that deliver well being support services and activities for the younger veteran community.
I believe that local communities know best what will benefit younger veterans and their families in their communities and this funding will enable them to expand and improve existing services and support programs for younger veterans, build the capacity for future services, and raise awareness of the important issues our younger veterans face. I encourage all local ESO’s and community groups who provide services for veterans to get involved and show their support for our younger veterans and their families.
Veteran mental health is a key priority for the Australian Government, with more than $11 billion invested in the delivery of essential services and programs, including access to free mental health care for veterans. This year has been a tough one for many of us, and I recognise the potential impact corona virus may have on recipients completing their projects with social distancing and other public health measures in place across the country.
We know that social connection is an important part of maintaining good mental health, so this round of grants will enable our local ESOs and community groups to improve existing programs or introduce new ones to support our younger veterans’ social well being.
Applications for the SYV grants close 5 February 2021. For more information or to submit an application, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au, call 1800 020 283 or email support@communitygrants.gov.au.
