Joint media release - Better support for veterans' and families in the Hunter

22,000 veterans and their families across the Hunter region will soon receive better support, with today’s announcement that a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub will be developed in Maitland, to support veterans near and far. 

The Albanese Government is committed to providing the best services and supports possible for Defence personnel, veterans and families and this is another step in the right direction. 

Following a competitive application and business case process, the Government will provide a $5.445 million grant to RSL LifeCare, working with RSL NSW and a number of ex-service organisations, to expand their services to Maitland and across the Hunter region as a “hub and spoke” network. 

Maitland has been identified as the most suitable location to develop the Hub, as it is central to the Singleton Military Area, Bullecourt Barracks and RAAF Base Williamtown. 

This Hub will deliver services through a “hub and spoke” system, with outreach programs to be set up in Port Stephens, Singleton and Muswellbrook. 

RSL LifeCare has been supporting the local veteran community from a Newcastle Hub since March 2023, with services to continue to be delivered in the region while the Hunter Hub is being established. 

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network in the Hunter region 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 the Department of Veterans' Affairs website. 

Quotes attributed to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel; 

“For more than 22,000 veterans and families across the Hunter region, today is a very exciting day, soon they won’t need to travel long distances to access the services and supports they need and deserve.  

“I’m so glad to see the consultation that’s been undertaken with the local veteran community to make sure we get this right, we want to make sure this Hub is tailored to the unique needs of local veterans and families.  

“Close to a number of Defence establishments, this Hub will support local veterans and families at every step of their journey, whilst in the Australian Defence Force, through transition and then provide ongoing support in civilian life.” 

Quotes attributed to Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson; 

“The Paterson electorate is home to more than 7,200 veterans, one of the highest in NSW and I am excited to see this project being announced.  The local veteran community and their families will benefit from a range of services available close to home to support their health and wellbeing, all delivered according to their unique needs.

“Any current serving Australian Defence Force members, veterans and families in the Paterson electorate and surrounding regions including Port Stephens, Maitland and Kurri Kurri will be able to access support from the Hub. I am proud to be announcing this today, as I stand side-by-side with our veterans.”
 

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