RSL LifeCare to Lead Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Sydney’s West

The veteran community in Sydney’s West will now receive better access to supports, with the Albanese Government today announcing a unique Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network, connecting the Hawkesbury to South Western Sydney.

RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, in partnership with RSL NSW, will receive a $5.445 million grant to lead the new Hub network that will support the 19,200 veterans and families who live throughout the region.

Informed by significant consultation, RSL LifeCare will establish a corridor of support, bookended by two major Hubs, in the Hawkesbury, and one in South Western Sydney, to ensure that local veterans can access services close to home.

The proposal for this Hub is overwhelmingly supported by ex-service organisations from across NSW, who seek to work as a united front to facilitate the best services and supports for the veteran community.

The proposal builds 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 Greater Western Sydney 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 Attributable to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:

“We’re developing Veterans’ and Families Hubs across the country to suit the needs of the local veteran community. This unique network will support the corridor of veterans living in the beautiful Blue Mountains in the Hawkesbury region and in South Western Sydney.

“We’re working to make sure each Hub around the country is easily accessible and available to local veterans, to support them and their families close to home.

“It’s fantastic to see so many organisations join with RSL LifeCare – including Legacy, Invictus, the Defence and Veterans Legal Service, Disaster Relief Australia, Veteran Gaming Australia and many others, come together to provide the best possible services and supports to local veterans.“

Quotes attributable to the Member for Macquarie, Ms Susan Templeman MP:

“With over a century of Defence presence in our region, the Hawkesbury is today home to more than 7,700 current and former service personnel and their families.

“I’m proud that the Albanese Government is delivering on my commitment to establish a veteran’s Hub here, where the services delivered are tailored to the specific needs of our personnel, veterans, and their families.

“Having the Hub close to home will make it easier for people to access the care and support they need throughout the stages of their Defence career, through their transition into civilian life.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Werriwa, Ms Anne Stanley MP:

“Our veterans deserve more than thanks, they deserve practical support, and this Hub will deliver that.

“I am so pleased the Albanese Government is recognising and supporting our veterans.

“The new Hub will help support the 11,500 current and former personnel and families in South Western Sydney.”

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