NEW FACILITIES AT SIMPSON ARMY BARRACKS
The Federal Labor Government will continue its investment of $101.3 million for new and refurbished facilities for the Defence Force School of Signals at the Simpson Army Barracks.
The ongoing project has provided the Defence Force School of Signals with new working and training accommodation, improved security arrangements and upgraded living-in accommodation.
New working accomodation for the Headquarters Defence Force School of Signals and training facilities has been completed at a cost of $41 million.
Living in accommodation for students at the school, comprising of 216 rooms, was completed in 2010 at a cost of $42.5 million.
The final stage of the project includes the refurbishment of the existing Defence Force School of Signals headquarters building, which will soon house the Maritime Wing relocated from the HMAS Cerberus. The final stage of the project is expected to be completed in late 2012.
RESTORATION OF THE HEIDELBERG WAR MEMORIAL
The Heidelberg War Memorial is a well known memorial in our community which commemorates the sacrifice of our service men and women.
In 2008 the Heidelberg RSL received more than $2000 in funding to restore the memorial to ensure its presence in our community for many years to come.
HEIDELBERG REPATRIATION VETERANS' CENTRE
The Heidelberg Repatriation Veterans' Centre received $17,243 in 2008 as part of the Federal Government's Building Excellence in Support and Training grant program.
This grant has provided seven desktop computers, two laptop computers, five printers and funding for internet access.
The funding has allowed the Veterans' Centre to continue its essential working in helping Veterans and their family's access to pensions and other government support.
FORMER POW'S RECEIVE PENSION BOOST
Surviving prisoners-of-war are to receive an extra $500 a fortnight in their pension as recognition of the severe hardship and deprivations they experienced in the service of their country.
More than 30,000 Australians became prisoners during the Second World War and Korean War and the terrible hardships they endured in captivity deserves our recognition.