Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP

Sale RSL get grant of $1.1M from federal government for Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre upgrade

Sale RSL's successful application promises improved facilities, led by a dedicated working group. A $1.1M federal grant aids Gippsland veterans through upgrades at the Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre, championed by Darren Chester MP.

By news@gippsland - 22nd November 2023 - Back to News

Veterans across Gippsland are set to benefit from a $1.1 million federal government grant announced today by local MP, Darren Chester. Mr Chester has congratulated the Sale RSL on its successful application for funding to deliver much needed upgrades at the Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre in Macalister Street. "This is a huge win for the hard-working volunteers who provide a wide range of services to veterans and their families, " Mr Chester said.

From left to right, Ross Jackson, Kylie Willmot, Darren Chester and Michael Page

Veterans' centre development

Mr Chester said, "As the former Minister for Veterans' Affairs, I understand the importance of developing a network of Wellbeing Centres across the country and I am pleased the new Minister is continuing the rollout. I have personally thanked Minister Keogh for supporting the Sale RSL grant application and I look forward to the work being completed as soon as possible."

Mr Chester said a working group of four local veterans had plans for the site to ensure it met modern health and safety standards. "Much of the credit needs to go to Kylie Willmot, Michael Page, Ross Jackson and Des Fitzgibbon, for developing the plans and submitting a funding application which resulted in this grant. Without their dedication, our local veterans would be much worse-off and I want to personally thank them for their service."

The spokesmen for the working group, Michael Page, said they were ecstatic with the result. "Our building is almost 70 years old and needs a major refit to bring it up to standard. We have worked closely with local building firm RALCON and we are confident we can install a lift for people with mobility issues and improve facilities for veterans and their families who access our centre on a regular basis," Mr Page said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com