The Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association offers advocacy, advice and assistance to serving and ex-service personnel from WWII to present day conflicts. The service is voluntarily-run with only a part-time administration staff member employed.

Recently the local sub-branch was presented with a $10,302.14 Australian Government grant under the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program. This funding will go towards assisting the VVPPA to support veterans within Mudgee and nearby communities, through staff training in advocacy and the purchase of office supplies and equipment.

Being one of the most active sub-branches in the organisation, president Ken Atkinson said the funding was essential for the branch to continue to support veterans with the vital work it does.

"The grant will support the continuation and training of part-time staff who help look after the veterans. Being a mostly volunteer-run organisation, any assistance we can get is highly appreciated," he said.

"The grant will also go towards office equipment such as new computer software, a new filing cabinet and possible replacement one of the computers."

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Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, Andrew Gee, said the Mudgee VVPPA work tirelessly to support the welfare of our veterans and their families and to keep them connected with each other and the local community.

"The work that they do is all important, because it recognises that care for our veterans just doesn't stop when active service ends and they come back from overseas. The men and women they support have served their country and this organisation, right here in Mudgee, is all about supporting them through whatever they're doing in their life after service," he said.

"Whether that be helping them with paperwork, getting support services to them or just offering fellowship. They are here support all of our veterans, it doesn't matter where they've served or what branch of the Australian Defence Force - they do wonderful work.

"The effects of service don't always stop once active service ceases. Many of our service men and women have experienced trauma overseas and it's easy to forget that from the safety and calm of Australia.

"And we need to understand that the effects of that can last for years. It's important that the community recognises that and it is recognised through the work of this organisation and Ken and his team."