Veterans' and Families' services boosted in Tasmania

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh today announced that RSL Tasmania has been awarded $5 million by the Australian Government to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network across Tasmania.

‘VeteranHub’ will operate in a 'hub and spoke' model, recognising that in Tasmania, veterans are spread across the state.

“This model will allow veterans and their families to visit a one-stop shop of services, ensuring they receive the right support, either remotely or in person,” Minister Keogh said.

“This will complement and work with the Veterans’ Hub that will be established in Burnie and the recently renovated RSL Launceston premises.”

“This model follows feedback from community consultation that identified the need for services to be available broadly across Tasmania, and not just in one location.”

“Our Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs Program provides grant funding to organisations to better coordinate and deliver support services for serving personnel, veterans and families close to home.”

RSL Tasmania is committed to delivering not only a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Hobart, but also providing support services through a range of locations across the state.

RSL Tasmania has worked to identify the needs of local veterans, and they will provide a range of services tailored to the community such as assistance with transition, employment, advocacy services, and mental health support.

“Importantly, the Tasmanian Veterans’ and Families’ hub and spoke model will incorporate homelessness services and support including emergency veteran housing,” Minister Keogh said.

The Tasmania VeteranHub forms part of the Government’s broader commitment in the October 2022-23 Budget, which will see a further 10 hubs delivered across Australia.

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

Quotes attributed to Mr John Hardy, Chief Executive Officer, RSL Tasmania.

“This project represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a game-changing model to the way we support our Tasmanian veterans and their families into the future.”

“The funding of the establishment of the Tasmanian VeteranHub network is critical to the future of first-class veteran support across our island state. We need to act now to make a real difference in the lives of those who have so valiantly served our country.”

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