Joint media release - RSL Victoria to lead new veteran hub in Surf coast

Following a successful grant application, the Australian Government has today announced that RSL Victoria has been awarded a $50,000 grant to develop a business case to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Surf Coast / Geelong region.

This expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network will see the more than 6,600 veterans and their families in the Surf Coast and Geelong region access improved specialist services close to home.

The current high level proposition will likely see an expansion of the Geelong RSL to accommodate the Hub, with an additional satellite site at Torquay in the Surf Coast Shire, as well as leveraging other RSL sub-branch sites. This model follows feedback from community consultation that identified the need for services to be available and easily accessible across the Surf Coast, rather than in just one location. 

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 Victoria’s first Hub in Wodonga, 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 in the Surf Coast/Geelong 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 Victoria 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 the Surf Coast and Geelong.”

“RSL Victoria’s first Hub, the Tim Fischer Veterans and Families Hub in Wodonga, 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 which can be maintained and sustained for many years to come.”

Quotes attributed to Member for Corio, Richard Marles:  

“The Albanese Government is steadfast in its commitment to delivering services that will support veterans and their families.

“I welcome this important step towards seeing those services delivered for the veteran community across greater Geelong who will benefit immensely.”

Quotes attributed to Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker:  

“The community of the Bellarine and Surf Coast have been asking for better veterans support services for many years.”

“Getting this project to the business case stage reflects the commitment and passion for a regional hub that services our region – a hub that will give veterans an opportunity to connect with each other, meet other families, and receive the support they deserve.”

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