In response to the Federal Governments budget commitment to establishing eight additional Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country, RSL NSW President Ray James said veteran communities have witnessed the benefits of these Hubs in action since the Nowra and Riverina Veteran Wellbeing Centres (now referred to as Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs) were established.
Mr James also highlighted that the RSL NSW with RSL LifeCare has established strong credentials in operating centres by combining their resources and building the operational framework that delivers better outcomes for beneficiaries.
The $46.7 million government commitment includes funding for four new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs to be strategically located to service the defence and veteran communities across NSW.
RSL NSW will support RSL LifeCare's bid to expand its bid to operate new Hubs in Queanbeyan, the Hawkesbury, Hunter, and on the Tweed/North Coast. RSL LifeCare is currently the operator of the only DVA-funded Hub in NSW, delivering services to local veteran communities in collaboration with local veterans, other ex-service organisations, and local service providers. RSL NSW has a network of over 320 sub-Branches that can connect veteran communities to the Hubs.
Since 2021, RSL NSW sub-Branches have donated over $5.2 million to RSL LifeCare to support the ongoing delivery of services to veterans and their families and I welcome the commitment from the Australian Government to expand the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network.
Mr James also highlighted that RSL NSW and RSL LifeCare are uniquely positioned to operate Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs in New South Wales without the need for recurrent government funding. He said that the Nowra and Riverina Veteran Wellbeing Centres are aligned to the DVA Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs Network and offer a full suite of critical services for veterans and their families including employment, housing support, and wellbeing services, financial assistance, and DVA claim advocacy.
Mr James said, “RSL NSW welcomes this funding commitment for one reason; we know Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs work”