Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP has announced a funding boost of more than $13,000 for the Torquay RSL sub-branch to help cater for the needs of local veterans.

Ms Coker said the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program aims to assist with the provision of veteran advocacy services.

Ms Coker said through the BEST grants program, the Australian Government helps ex-service organisations (ESOs) in providing compensation and wellbeing advocacy, and wellbeing support to veterans and their families seeking compensation and other assistance.

The Torquay RSL sub-branch will receive more than $13,000 and the Portarlington and St Leonard’s RSL sub-branch will receive more than $1500.

“This grant will further enable local RSL sub-branches to provide critical advice and support for our veterans, ensuring they receive the care and guidance they deserve,” Ms Coker said.

“My electorate of Corangamite has one of the highest numbers of veterans in the state, we must do all we can to support them.”

The announcement follows the Albanese Government’s introduction of legislation to simplify and harmonise Australia’s veterans’ rehabilitation and compensation system.

Under the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, all new compensation claims from 1 July 2026 will be dealt with under a single piece of legislation – an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) – regardless of when or where the veteran served.

“This is another important step in responding to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Interim Report and is the result of significant community consultation,” Ms Coker said.

“I provided copies of the draft legislation to all local RSL sub-branches to ensure local voices were heard throughout the development of this policy.”

The Albanese Government is also supporting veterans in Corangamite with a new Veterans and Families Hub now progressing for the region.

The Hub will be open to all current and former Australian Defence Force members, including reservists, and families.

The Surf Coast/Geelong region Hub is part of a $46.7 million 2022 Budget commitment by the Australian Government to establish eight new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.

For more information, please visit: Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs | Department of Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)