New Hub expands wellbeing services for Hunter veterans

The Hunter is home to one of Australia’s biggest and proudest veteran communities.

Supporting their wellbeing is a key focus for the Albanese Government as we implement recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Today we are opening the Hunter Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, fulfilling our commitment to the 22,000 current and former serving veterans and their families who call the Hunter home.

Located at 48 Ken Tubman Drive in Maitland, the new Hub is ideally situated for Australian Defence Force personnel based at the Singleton Military Area, Bullecourt Barracks and RAAF Base Williamtown.

The Hub will offer targeted support to veterans, with two service navigation and community engagement staff and a dedicated Claims Adviser to provide claims and advocacy assistance.

It also includes a welcoming space for veterans and families of veterans, with a dedicated children’s play area and outdoor space.

Open Arms will provide peer support through the Hub, and Invictus Australia have partnered with RSL LifeCare to deliver a range of activities.

Importantly, the Hub will create more opportunities for connection, including coffee catch-ups, yoga sessions and BBQs alongside other activities to be introduced over the coming months.

There is high interest from service providers and other ex-service organisations to continue to build partnerships that strengthen support for veterans and families of veterans.

RSL LifeCare was awarded a $5.45 million grant to deliver the Hub to support veterans and families across the region.

RSL LifeCare has partnered with RSL NSW to bolster the services available to veterans and their families in the wider Hunter community, from Port Stephens to Singleton and inland to Muswellbrook, as part of a regional ‘hub and spoke’ network.

The Hub and its service offering were designed following extensive consultations with the local veteran community, to ensure it meets the Hunter’s needs.

This funding is part of the Australian Government’s $46.7 million commitment in 2022 to expand Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs and support veteran wellbeing.

Australia’s defence and veteran communities are spread far and wide, and these Hubs ensure current and former defence personnel, as well as their families, can access the care and support they need, no matter where they live.

For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

Quotes Attributable to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans Affairs

“The Hunter’s 22,000 veteran families can now look forward to a new era of holistic support that’s closer to home and easier to access.

“Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs make a real difference to the wellbeing of current and former serving veterans, which is why we are expanding the network.

“The Hunter Hub is not just a one-stop shop for practical support services for things like health, housing and career transition, but a home base for community, connection and family fun.”

Quotes Attributable to Meryl Swanson, Member for Paterson

“We have one of the largest veteran communities in NSW - and the new Hunter Veterans’ and Families’ Hub will provide a dedicated space where veterans and their families can connect, access support services and feel part of a community that understands their experiences.

"This purpose-built facility reflects a strong partnership between the Australian Government, RSL NSW, RSL LifeCare and our community, all working together to better support those who have served our nation."

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