Member for Hume Angus Taylor has congratulated Appin Men’s Shed on being awarded $35,530 under the Federal Government’s Veteran and Community Grants program.

“This is terrific news for the dedicated blokes with the Appin Men’s Shed who will use this grant funding to build facilities to help our veterans and their families,” Mr Taylor said.

“We honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in defence of our country in many ways – and this grant program to help improve the quality of life for veterans and their families is an important one.”

Appin Men’s Shed secretary Ray Slee said members and the local veteran community were thrilled by the announcement.

“This funding will be used to construct amenities at the Shed that will cater for the disabled, including new toilets,” he said.

“The disabled toilets will be welcomed by our members and, in particular, our war veterans. The facilities will also prove to be an added drawcard as we strive to attract more veterans to our membership ranks.”

Construction should start next month, with an opening ceremony planned for later this year.

“I congratulate Appin Men’s Shed on securing the grant funding, which will go towards a valuable local project, and I thank them for their invaluable commitment to improving the lives of our veterans and their families,” Mr Taylor said.

“The benefits of this Veteran and Community Grants funding will also flow on to our local community.”

Ex-service and community organisations, veteran groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the veteran community are eligible to apply for funding through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran and Community Grants program.

For more information or to apply, visit www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/grants or contact your nearest DVA office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254.