RSL LifeCare has announced the receipt of a $5.445 million grant from the Federal Government. This investment is set to create a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network linking the Hawkesbury region to South Western Sydney, as part of a national effort to support local veterans more effectively.
The funding is a segment of the Federal Government's $46.7 million initiative to develop 10 new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across Australia, aiming to facilitate access to essential services for veterans. RSL LifeCare's new project aligns with its longstanding mission to offer comprehensive care and support through a variety of services, including home care, retirement living, and residential aged care across NSW and the ACT.
Janet Muir, CEO RSL LifeCare said that the grant allows the organisation to extend its services by creating a network of support between the Hawkesbury and South Western Sydney regions. She said: “Our goal is to ensure that the 19,200 local veterans in these areas have convenient access to the services they need, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the veteran community.”
The initiative builds on a ‘hub and spoke’ model, where the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs serve as central points for accessing a range of services, with RSL sub-Branches providing additional, flexible support options. This model was designed in collaboration with local communities and ex-service organisations to tailor services to the unique needs of veterans and their families.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh, acknowledged the importance of the project in meeting the local veteran community's needs and highlighted the collaboration with various organizations to ensure a comprehensive service offering.
RSL NSW sub-Branches have significantly contributed to the funding and development of these hubs, with a $3.3 million donation last year to RSL LifeCare. This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment to enhancing support for Australian servicemen and women and their families.
David Anderson, Executive General Manager of RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, emphasised the impact of the new funding: “This funding will enable us to broaden our reach and provide more comprehensive support across two major regions in NSW. It's a step forward in our ongoing work to offer targeted support where it's most needed.”
RSL LifeCare, established initially at Bare Island in Botany Bay in 1911, continues to uphold its mission to support the wellbeing of veterans and seniors through a range of care and services. This latest initiative with RSL NSW further extends its capacity to serve the needs of Australia’s veteran community.