New bus helps reduce social isolation of ex-service and service personnel

Ex-service and service personnel in Bundaberg will benefit from a $44,090 Veteran and Community Grant which has been used to purchase a 12-seater bus.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the Bundaberg RSL Sub-Branch on its successful application.

“Reducing social isolation is an important part of the work the Bundaberg RSL Sub-branch’s welfare officers carry out, and this bus will make this job easier,” Mr Pitt said.

The 12-seat Toyota Hiace bus will be used to transport RSL members to group morning teas, lunches, as well as shopping trips.

Bundaberg RSL Sub-Branch secretary Rudy Valzan said it was identified during the organisations strategic planning sessions that a bus would be a valuable resource.

“We’ve needed it for a while and when we surveyed the members, we got a positive response, so we applied for the grant,” Mr Valzan said.

“We’ve employed a full time welfare co-ordinator, who will work with our 13 volunteer welfare offices to coordinate the use of the bus.

“The welfare officers visit our members in hospital, nursing homes and in their own homes, to address social isolation.”

Mr Pitt said funding provided under the Veteran and Community Grants program aims to enrich the lives of Australian ex-service men and women and help them, especially the elderly, to remain independent, healthy and active, in particular for those who may live alone.

Ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups, private organisations and projects that promote improved independence and quality of life for veterans are eligible for funding through the Veteran and Community Grants program. 

In Round 2, Veteran and Community Grants worth over $822,000 were awarded to 45 projects across the country.

For more information or to apply visit the DVA website (www.dva.gov.au/grants).