Bardia Barracks to support NSW veteran community

Bardia Barracks in Ingleburn is set to serve the nation in a new role, providing services to support the NSW veteran community as the base for a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub.

The NSW Government, through the support of Landcom, has officially turned over Bardia Barracks to RSL LifeCare, where it will form part of the Federal Government’s Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network.

RSL Lifecare has been funded by the Albanese Government to deliver veteran services across the southwestern corridor of Sydney with a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Richmond connected with a new Hub at Bardia Barracks. Together, these two sites will offer a complete wellbeing service for more than 19,000 veterans and families of veterans living across Sydney’s southwest.

Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs offer mental and physical health services, advocacy, and employment and housing support. The Bardia Barracks Hub will also feature a multipurpose hall, dedicated meeting rooms, and outdoor social and play areas designed to support community gatherings and strengthen social connection for veterans and families. It will include dedicated spaces that recognise and celebrate the site’s military history and broader heritage, providing community focused places for visitors to reflect on its past and ongoing significance.

Bardia Barracks was built in 1940 as part of the Ingleburn Army Camp, which trained thousands of Australian soldiers during the Second World War. The facility was used up until the 1990s, with soldiers who went on to serve in the Korean and Vietnam wars, National Service schemes and the Army Reserves, training and bunking at Bardia Barracks.

The NSW Government has invested extensively to remediate the site to preserve this important part of Australia’s military history for future generations. Repurposing Bardia Barracks to contribute to the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub initiative ensures the location remains connected to its proud military heritage, while transforming it into a modern, welcoming space for the extensive veteran community in Sydney.

RSL LifeCare was awarded $5.45 million by the Australian Government to establish the Hawkesbury Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, as part of the national commitment to expand the Hubs network across the country. This investment will enable the development of two interconnected hubs at Richmond and Bardia Barracks, which will work in close partnership to support veterans and families.

By establishing a coordinated corridor of services across the region, RSLLC will strengthen access to care, advocacy, and community connection for veterans from the Hawkesbury through to South Western Sydney.

The Hawkesbury veteran community is able to access wellbeing support at the temporary Veterans’ and Families’ Hub at Windsor RSL, 36 Argyle St, South Windsor.  The permanent Veterans’ and Families Hub for the Hawkesbury region will be located at the historic former Richmond Courthouse in the heart of town, providing easy access for veterans, families and local service personnel.

This development is a powerful testament to the great things that can be delivered for Australia’s veteran community when Federal and State Governments come together alongside community organisations.

To learn more about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh MP:

“More than 19,000 members of Australia’s veteran community in southwest Sydney will soon have access to wellbeing support on their doorstep.

“This initiative is leveraged by the Australian Government’s $46.7 million commitment to establish eight new Veterans’ and Families Hubs across Australia, so that veterans and families can access the services and support they need and deserve, wherever they live.

“I would like to thank the NSW Government for their partnership on this project, as well as RSL LifeCare for operation of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network across NSW.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully MP:

“Transferring Bardia Barracks to RSL LifeCare will give the area a new purpose as a Veterans and Families Hub while retaining vital links to the site's important history.

“Hubs like this provide essential services to veterans in their own neighbourhoods so it’s a great way to repurpose an asset with has been under-utilised for decades.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris MP:

“I am excited to announce the addition of a second Veterans and Families’ Hub in Sydney’s Southwest that will invigorate a site that has played such an important role in NSW’s military history with a fresh purpose to serve future generations of veterans.

“Southwest Sydney is home to a large number of veterans and current serving personnel and the new Bardia Barracks hub, along with the hub being built in Richmond, will provide them with welcoming spaces and a range of support services at their doorstep.

“These hubs are a wonderful example of what can be achieved when state and federal governments work together with community organisations and we thank the Albanese Government for their continued commitment to establishing these hubs and RSL Lifecare for the wonderful work they do supporting veterans and their families.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“I am really excited that the Veterans of Western Sydney will have a place that will provide them with support close to home. I look forward to the completion.”

Quotes attributable to RSL LifeCare CEO Drew Pearce:

“The Bardia Barracks Hub is a strong example of what we can achieve when the Australian and NSW Governments work hand-in-hand with organisations like RSL LifeCare, RSL NSW and our local sub-branches to wrap practical support around veterans and their families.”

“We’re grateful for the trust and partnership that has brought this project to life, and we look forward to working closely with local services and the veteran community to ensure the Hub is a welcoming place where people can connect, be heard and get the help they need, when they need it.”

“Bardia Barracks holds deep meaning for generations who trained and served here. Repurposing this site as part of the Veteran and Family Hub network honours that legacy while creating a modern, connected support service for today’s veterans and families in Sydney.”

ENDS

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