Joint media release - A step forward for the Queanbeyan Veterans’ and Families’ Hub

The Australian Government has awarded RSL LifeCare Veteran Services $50,000 in grant funding to support the development of a business case to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Queanbeyan region.

The successful application by RSL LifeCare, supported by RSL NSW, brings the establishment of a Hub in Queanbeyan, one step closer.

RSL LifeCare Veteran Services will now work in partnership with RSL NSW, alongside local ex- service organisations and veteran charities across the region to establish a business case for a new Hub, designed to deliver the services and supports veterans and families need, close to home.

The proposal continues to build on RSL LifeCare Veteran Services’ own strong connections to the NSW and ACT veteran communities following the establishment of a Hub in Nowra, funded under the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs program, as well as their own self-funded hubs in Wagga Wagga, Dee Why and Newcastle.

Veterans and Families’ Hubs across the country provide support for current and former serving Australian Defence Force members, reservists and families.

For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit DVA website.

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

“It is fantastic to see the progress being made in the expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs program, to bring services and support to the doorsteps of our veteran community across the country.

“Services provided by hubs are tailored to the local community, delivered in partnership with state, territory and local government, ex-service organisations and community groups.

“The Business case process allows for enhanced stakeholder consultation, to ensure the Hub is sustainable and best equipped to meet the needs of the local veteran community in Queanbeyan and Canberra.”

Quotes attributed to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain

“A new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Queanbeyan will provide support to more than 26,000 current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families in our local community.

“Transition from service to civilian life is a significant event for Defence members and their families. For the thousands of personnel who leave the ADF each year, transition requires major readjustments. For some, it can be a challenging and traumatic time.

“This will be a great step for RSL services to further expand their footprint and ability to support veterans and their families, showing ongoing gratitude for the work and sacrifices of current and former serving Australian Defence Force members”.

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