The federal government has provided over $1.2 million in funding for 78 projects aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Australian veterans and their families.

The funding is part of the government’s veteran and community grants program and the government estimates that it will benefit as many as 26,000 people.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Alan Griffin said the money would go to projects which encouraged veterans and their families to be involved in local health and wellbeing activities.

“Veteran & Community Grants help fund local initiatives that improve access to community care services and encourage social interaction through day clubs, men’s sheds and social excursions,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is important that the veteran community has access to a range of programs where they can learn skills to help them remain independent and active, particularly for the elderly living by themselves.”

The Veteran & Community Grants are available to ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the veteran community.

Organisations interested in applying for funding should click here for more information or phone their nearest Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) office on 133 254 (metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan areas).