Nutrition Australia ACT that supports Australian Defence Force (ADF) families in the electorate of Bean will be awarded $17,760 in Federal Government grant funding to deliver programs and services within the local community.

The Family Support Funding Program (FSFP) enables defence families to connect and interact with each other and the community in a variety of ways.

Defence families make incredible sacrifices and this funding contributes to a strong sense of community and a support network for those feeling the disruption and change from posting to a new location.

The Capital region is home to a large service community and our ADF families are a big part of the social fabric of our region.

This grant will support local defence families’ wellbeing and promote the sharing of ideas and information to help manage the demands of military life and allow families to settle into their local communities.

I want to congratulate Nutrition Australia ACT and thank them for all the work they do.

Nutrition Australia ACT supports Defence teens by offering project ‘Operation Dinnertime for Teens’, a nutrition and food skills cooking program that will enhance the capacity of teenagers to adapt to and maintain the Defence way of life such as transitioning into a new location and building strong relationships. Funding will support a project officer, food costs and other associated administration costs.

I encourage any local defence families that would like further information on accessing community resources and support to call the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

Funding provided through the FSFP is available to community organisations and the grants are managed by the Defence Community Organisation (DCO).

For more information about the grants program and this year’s recipients visit the DCO website at: www.defence.gov.au/DCO/Community/FSFP/Current-recipients.