Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, have announced RSL LifeCare Veteran Services will receive a $5.4 million grant to develop a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Queanbeyan.
Minister Keogh said the Hub will be established by RSL LifeCare, working in partnership with RSL NSW and other local ex-service organisations, to develop the dedicated space to support veterans and their families.
“This Hub, like those being rolled out around the country, will be unique, set up as a Hub and Spoke model to ensure the more than 26,000 veterans in the region can access the services and supports they need and deserve,” said Mr Keogh.
“While each veteran community around the country is different, RSL LifeCare will be able to bring the experiences and insights gleaned at their Nowra Veterans’ & Families’ Hub and their RSL LifeCare Veteran Wellbeing Centres to Queanbeyan.
“The significant consultation undertaken with the local veteran community in the development of the business case for this Hub and ongoing engagement will ensure it is best set up to serve the local veteran community.”
The Queanbeyan Hub will connect to 10 RSL sub-branches in the ACT and in nearby NSW to provide outreach services across the region.
“This is a great way for RSL LifeCare Veteran services to expand their footprint and their ability to support veterans and their families in a friendly and welcoming environment – where their experiences are understood and their military service is respected,” said Ms McBain.
“We want to see local veterans and veteran’s groups involved in the development of this Hub to make sure it suits the changing needs of current and former ADF members and their families at all stages of service.
“Whether you need a coffee and a chat, access to wellbeing support, or you just want to meet like-minded friends, you’ll be welcome at the Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub in Queanbeyan.”
The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs network in Queanbeyan is part of the Federal Government’s $46.7 million promise to deliver 10 Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.
For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit: www.dva.gov.au/vfhubs.
