Joint media release - Great news for veterans and families in the Tweed/North Coast
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Hon Justine Elliot MP
Member for Richmond
The Albanese Government is committed to providing the best services and supports possible for Defence personnel, veterans and families and today we’ve reached a new milestone.
More than 25,000 veterans and their families will be better off, with the Albanese Government today announcing a $5.445 million grant has been awarded to RSL LifeCare, working with RSL NSW, to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Tweed/North Coast region of New South Wales.
Veterans who live just over the border will also benefit as RSL LifeCare and RSL NSW have established a firm relationship with RSL Queensland to best support veterans no matter which side of the border they are on.
Following significant community consultation and demographics analysis, the services at the Tweed/North Coast Hub will focus on providing access to physical and mental health services, home care assistance, access to fee-free training, housing assistance, transition, social and family support.
The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs network in the Tweed/North Coast region is part of the Government’s $46.7 million commitment to deliver ten new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.
For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.
Quotes attributed to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel;
“I’m glad to see RSL LifeCare are willing to work across the border, supporting veterans in Northern NSW and Southern Queensland. It’s so important that these Hubs are easily accessible to local communities and that they’ve got good access to services and support close to home.
I’m confident that the network of Hubs being developed by RSL LifeCare across NSW will be of great value to the national Hub network, where best practice learnings and supports can be shared.”
Quotes attributed to Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot;
“The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $5 million to deliver a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub here on the Tweed, working in close partnership with the team at RSL LifeCare Veteran Services and RSL NSW.
“We have a large ex-service population in the region, including many older veterans and war widows.
“Having tailored veteran support and services accessible locally is 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 to be delivering this Veterans’ and Families’ Hub here on the North Coast.”
Media Contacts:
- Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh's Office): 0407 034 485
- Reece Byrnes (Elliot Office): 0425 337 889
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608