RSL WA to progress new veteran hub in brand

Following a successful grant application, the Australian Government has today announced that RSL WA has been awarded a $50,000 grant to develop a business case to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub at a location in the Brand electorate.

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network will see the more than 8,091 veterans and their families living in the cities of Rockingham and Kwinana have access to specialist services close to home.

RSL WA will take these next steps, in partnership with a consortium of community and veteran organisations including RAAFA, Legacy, The Australian Special Air Service Association, and Soldier On.

The multipurpose Hub is set to feature a range of culturally appropriate, coordinated services to assist with advocacy, case management, financial literacy, medical and allied health services and access to housing supports for veterans’ and families.

The intention is this Hub, just like RSL WA’s first Hub, Veteran Central at ANZAC House in Perth, will not only provide the services and supports the local veteran community needs, but be sustainable into the future.

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs network into Perth’s south 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 www.dva.gov.au/vfhubs

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

“With this $50,000 grant, RSL WA will be able to undertake further consultation with key local veteran, family and service provider stakeholders, allowing them to identify local needs and opportunities and maximise benefits for veterans and families across Perth’s south.”

“RSL WA’s first Hub, Veteran Central in Perth’s CBD showcases the success of how the provision of services all in the same place can make the lives of veterans and their families much easier.”

“We don’t want to take a cookie cutter approach with Hubs around the country. The opportunity for enhanced stakeholder consultation enables Hub services to be designed so they best meet the needs of the local veteran community and can be maintained and sustained for many years to come.”

Quotes attributed to Member for Brand, Madeleine King

Federal Member for Brand, Madeleine King MP, said the Brand community has a proud association with the Australian Defence.

“Brand is home to more than 8,000 defence personnel and veterans, and HMAS Stirling is, as I've said often, the largest naval base in the country.”

“This hub will provide tailored services, including support for the all-important transition to civilian life; advocacy and mental health services; and a range of community activities.”

“The Albanese government is delivering for Rockingham and Kwinana and the whole community in all of those suburbs, and I'm looking forward to the completion of the veterans' hub in mid-2025, with services to be offered before this time.”

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