Vasey RSL Care has been awarded $142,439 under the Federal Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grant 2023-24 round.
The funding will enable the purchase of a utility vehicle and a bus to enhance the delivery of its innovative V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program in Ivanhoe.
In a statement, Vasey RSL Care said the V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program combines safe and supportive accommodation with tailored wrap-around services to empower vulnerable veterans. The program provides access to therapeutic activities such as equine therapy, outdoor adventure sessions, vocational education, and opportunities for community volunteering and engagement.
To celebrate the funding announcement, Vasey RSL Care was hosted the local Federal Member for Jagajaga, Kate Thwaites MP, at the V Centre. During her visit, Ms Thwaites officially congratulated Vasey RSL Care on receiving the grant and heard directly from veterans about the profound impact these vehicles will have on their wellness journeys.
CEO of Vasey RSL Care, Janna Voloshin, emphasised the importance of the grant in supporting the program’s mission.
“This grant is a game-changer for our V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program. The vehicles will provide opportunities for V Centre participants to fully engage with activities that promote mental health, well-being, and community connection,” said Ms Voloshin.
“We are deeply grateful to the Federal Government and to Ms Thwaites for recognising the significance of this work and the positive impact it has on our veterans.”
Program Manager of the V Centre, Deb Fraser, highlighted the significance of transportation in delivering meaningful outcomes for participants.
“Access to reliable transport removes a significant barrier for our veterans, enabling them to take part in activities that can truly change their lives. From attending equine therapy sessions to participating in vocational training and community volunteering, these vehicles will help us build stronger pathways for veterans to thrive,” said Ms Fraser.
Vasey RSL Care has invested more than $11 million into its V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program and says it will again be lodging a funding submission to the Federal Government for the 2025 Federal Budget.
The V Centre Veteran Empowerment program is located in Ivanhoe, Victoria and commenced operations in February 2024. The industry-first purpose-designed Program combines a safe place to live with tailored support services for veterans struggling to live a civilian life, homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The benefits to Government of this Program are forecast at over $18 million in savings over the first three years with exponentially growing ongoing savings in each subsequent year, Vasey RSL Care outlined in a statement.
As reported by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide, Australian veterans are almost three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population and Australian veterans are over twice as likely to die by suicide than the general population.
Veterans are also more likely to have other homelessness risk indicators including being single, unemployed, subject to financial strain, and experiencing a greater number of traumatic life events than the broader population, it stated.
