The establishment of a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Tweed/North Coast region of NSW is a step closer, as the process to select an organisation to establish and manage the hub reaches another milestone.
Following a successful grant application, the Australian Government has awarded RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, supported by RSL NSW, $50,000 to develop a business case to establish the Tweed/North Coast Hub.
The business case will outline the operational and management plans for a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, tailored to the needs of the local community.
Hub services may include mental and physical health services, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing and homelessness support, and social connection.
“With this $50,000 grant, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, supported by RSL NSW will be able to undertake further consultation with key local veteran, family and service provider stakeholders, allowing them to identify local needs and opportunities and maximise benefits for veterans and families across the Tweed/North Coast region of NSW,” said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh.
“RSL LifeCare Veteran Services and RSL NSW have a strong understanding of veteran community needs, with four similar facilities around New South Wales including the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Nowra which was also funded under the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs program.
“We don’t want to take a cookie cutter approach with Hubs around the country. The opportunity for enhanced stakeholder consultation enables Hub services to be designed so they best meet the needs of the local veteran community which can be maintained and sustained for many years to come.”
The commitment to deliver $5 million for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the North Coast region is part of the Government’s $46.7 million commitment to deliver 10 new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.
“With this funding from the Albanese Labor Government, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, supported by RSL NSW will now take the next steps in delivering a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub by developing a business case,” said Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot.
“We have a large ex-service population in the region with more than 3,000 veterans and families, including many older veterans and war widows.
“Having tailored veteran support and services accessible locally are so important to improving the health, wellbeing, and economic outcomes of those who bravely served our nation.
“As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government, I’m proud we are taking the next steps to deliver a “Veterans’ and Families’ Hub here on the North Coast,” Ms Elliot said.
For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit DVA website.