Veterans Hub open for Hobart

Improving the wellbeing of the veteran community is a key focus of the Albanese Government as we get on with the job of implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

One of the Royal Commission’s key recommendations is to expand wellbeing services to veterans and their families in familiar, community-based settings.

Today we are opening the Hobart Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, a central location for Tasmania’s 18,500 serving and ex-serving veterans and their families to access tailored support that will be delivered across the state, through RSL Tasmania’s ‘hub-and-spoke’ network.

The Hub, located at RSL Tasmania Headquarters in New Town, is a one-stop shop offering services such as physical and mental health care, wellbeing programs, advocacy, education and employment support, housing advice and social connection opportunities.

Services are tailored to match the diverse needs of Tasmania’s veteran and Defence community with unique programs such as fly fishing trips.

The Hobart Hub has been established with a $5 million grant from the Albanese Government and will be operated by RSL Tasmania, through their unique hub and spoke network that will operate in parallel to a Hub in Launceston.

Tasmanian veterans will also be able to access services and support through spoke sites already operating at RSL sub-branches in Huonville, Devonport, Railton and Queenstown, and George Town once operating.

These are already delivering innovative programs such as the recent successful trial of RSL Tasmania’s Stress, Resilience and Functioning program, soon to be rolled out nationwide.

The Hobart Hub will connect with the Albanese Government’s national Veterans’ and Families’ Hub Network, allowing it to share knowledge and experience about the most effective way to support our veterans.

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

“Today’s opening is a really clear example of how the Albanese Government is getting on with the job of delivering better wellbeing support to those who’ve served our country in uniform.

“The Royal Commission made it clear that offering veterans and their families support closer to home removes barriers to those needing to access wellbeing services.

“Now Tasmania’s 18,500 serving and ex-serving veterans will have access to a huge range of tailored services across the state.

“And they’ll be able to tap into a deep well of knowledge and experience from our national Veterans’ and Families’ Hub Network about what works best to improve wellbeing,”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Carol Brown:

“Every veteran and family deserves a place where they are supported and treated with kindness. This Hub is built on that simple idea that looking after people is the heart of good government.”

“This new Hobart Hub gives veterans and families somewhere close to home to get the help they need, when they need it.”

“By bringing services together in one space, we are giving veterans a clear and trusted pathway to support. It means more connection, more opportunities and a stronger community for those who have served.”

“People should not need to fight for help after they have left service. This Hub takes away some of that burden by putting essential services under one roof.”

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.