Joint media release - New Hub a Win for Veterans and Families in the Queanbeyan Region

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, have today announced RSL LifeCare Veteran Services will receive a $5.4 million grant to develop a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Queanbeyan.

This 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.  

The Queanbeyan Hub will be developed in a “Hub and Spoke” model across the electorate of Eden-Monaro and the ACT, connecting to 10 RSL sub-branches in the ACT and in nearby NSW to provide outreach services across the region. 

With more than 4,500 veterans in the Queanbeyan region and more than 22,000 in the ACT, this unique model will be so important to ensure veterans and their families across the region can access services and supports close to home. 

The proposal continues to build on RSL LifeCare Veteran Services’ own strong connections to both the NSW and ACT veteran communities through their existing Hubs.

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs network in Queanbeyan is part of the Albanese Government’s $46.7 million commitment to deliver ten Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.

For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit: www.dva.gov.au/vfhubs

Quotes attributed to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh:

“I’m proud to announce that RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, in partnership with RSL NSW will lead the establishment of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Queanbeyan.

“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. 

“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.”

Quotes attributed to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“For the thousands of personnel who leave the ADF each year, transition to civilian life requires major readjustments. It’s a significant event for Defence members and their families, and it can be both a challenging and traumatic time.

“That’s why this new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Queanbeyan is great news for our community, because it means over 26,000 current and former ADF personnel and their families will be able to access support where they live.

“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. 

“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.”
 

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