Joint media release - RSL Queensland to develop Ipswich Veterans' and Families' Hub

The Albanese Government is committed to providing the best services and supports possible for Defence personnel, veterans and families. 

Following a competitive application and business case process, today we can announce a $5.445 million grant will be provided to RSL Queensland to lead the establishment of a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Ipswich, Queensland, in collaboration with Mates4Mates and GO2 Health.

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network will see more than 10,000 veterans and their families in Ipswich and its surrounds, access improved specialist services close to home.

RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates have a proven track record in the development and management of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, with their offerings now to be even further expanded with the support of GO2 Health. 

The services facilitated by the Ipswich Hub will include a dedicated focus on medical interventions thanks to a partnership with GO2 Health, alongside the provision of physical and mental health rehabilitation services supported by Mates4Mates, and social and emotional wellbeing supports facilitated by RSL Queensland. 

The Veterans’ and Families’ Hub will initially provide support through the Mates4Mates site in Ipswich and other existing RSL Queensland service facilities, before moving to a permanent site once established. Outreach services are already being provided and will be expanded upon across the Ipswich region, out to Toowoomba. 

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs network in the Ipswich 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: 

“RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates already have a proven track record in supporting veterans and families across the country. Now with the additional insights from GO2 Health I can’t wait to see what they achieve for the veteran community in Ipswich. 

“Each veteran community around the country is different so it’s essential we’re developing Hubs that provide targeted support, not taking a cookie cutter approach. 

“The consultation undertaken with the local community in the development of the business case gives me confidence they’ll be able to deliver a Hub that fits the needs of the local community.”  

Quotes attributed to Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann: 

“I’m proud that the Albanese Labor Government is delivering on my commitment to establish an Ipswich Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, where services are tailored to the specific needs of our Defence personnel, veterans and their families.

“This is great news for our local ex-service community in Ipswich and surrounding areas, and this much-needed service will make it easier for people to access the practical support they need close to home and help with their transition to civilian life.

“I advocated strongly for a Hub in Ipswich because we’re a garrison town that’s home to the biggest Air Force base in Australia in RAAF Base Amberley, and our region has one of the largest defence and veteran populations in the 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