RSL LifeCare ramps up community consultation on Veteran and Family Hub in Queanbeyan

RSL LifeCare is ramping up community consultation for the new Veteran and Family Hub in Queanbeyan, following the finalisation and execution of a grant agreement with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

RSL LifeCare held an important town hall meeting today, in person and virtually, with veterans’, veterans’ families, local RSL sub-branches, Ex Service Organisations, community leaders, elected officials, local council representatives and members of the broader community to provide an update on the hub, including the location of a temporary centre and the design of a permanent hub.

The new Veteran and Family Hub will provide a holistic and veteran-centric set of services to veterans and their families in and around Queanbeyan, including financial assistance, DVA claims and advocacy, employment assistance, and housing and wellbeing support.

RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW and RSL sub-Branches, currently operates four hubs in the Riverina, Shoalhaven, the Northern Beaches and the Hunter region. Last year, the Commonwealth Government awarded RSL LifeCare funding to establish new hubs in Queanbeyan, the Central Coast, the Hunter, Tweed/North Coast, Hawkesbury and the Southwest Sydney corridor.

RSL LifeCare has already made significant progress in the development of the Queanbeyan Veteran and Family Hub, including:

• executing a grant agreement with DVA for the release of funds;
• securing a location for a temporary Veteran and Family Hub at 251 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan (first floor); and
• consulting with RSL NSW sub-Branch members, local ESOs, the Australian Defence Force, the NSW Office of Veterans Affairs, the Joint Transition Authority and local

RSL LifeCare will continue active community engagement plan with key stakeholders to finalise the design and scope of the services to be delivered at the hub.

The community of Queanbeyan and surrounds can provide their feedback on the new hub via email: [email protected]

“We are excited to bring our successful Veteran and Family hub model to Queanbeyan. I can also reveal that we are working very hard on an outreach spoke in Canberra, ACT – a first for us, as we seek to serve veterans and their families outside of NSW,” said RSL LifeCare CEO, Janet Muir.

“We must not forget the importance of social connection and a sense of belonging, which this hub will provide. A connection with other veterans, families and indeed the broader community in Southeast NSW and the ACT.”

“RSL LifeCare will work side by side with local RSL sub-Branch members, whose support and input is very much valued.”

Since 1 July 2023, there has been close to 10,000 visits to an RSL LifeCare Veteran and Family Hub, and more than 30 per cent of individuals who interacted with a hub were under the age of 35. This is a significant step in better engaging and assisting contemporary veterans and their families, who may not immediately join an ex-service organisation post transition.

With the Royal Commission’s final report into Defence and Veteran Suicide due early next month, the support services offered by a RSL LifeCare Veteran and Family Hub, with the in partnership with RSL NSW, are critical to addressing the risk factors for veterans’ suicide, including financial insecurity, lack of housing, mental health challenges, DVA claims, and employment opportunities post transition to civilian life.

More information on the RSL LifeCare support services and programs for veteran and their families can be accessed here.