Hunter Veteran and Family Hub officially open, expanding support for veterans and families

RSL LifeCare has officially marked the opening of its permanent Hunter Veteran and Family Hub in Maitland, celebrating an important milestone for veterans and families across the Hunter region.

The grand opening event brought together veterans, families, community partners and leaders to recognise the opening of RSL LifeCare’s permanent home in the Hunter and the collective effort behind its delivery.

The Hub was officially opened by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP, alongside RSL NSW Acting President Brigadier Vince Williams CSC (Rtd) and interim RSL LifeCare CEO Drew Pearce, highlighting the strong partnership between government, RSL NSW and RSL LifeCare.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Keogh highlighted the significance of the new facility for the region’s veteran community.

“The Hunter’s 22,000 veteran families can now look forward to a new era of holistic support that’s closer to home and easier to access,” Minister Keogh said.

The opening also recognised the national Veteran and Family Hub Program, delivered in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and RSL NSW, which has enabled RSL LifeCare to grow its Hub network and establish this purpose-built, permanent facility in Maitland. In his speech interim RSL LifeCare CEO Drew Pearce acknowledged the strong support of the Department of Veterans Affairs, along with the ongoing support of RSL NSW and local sub-branches. He thanked the RSL LifeCare teams and partners who worked behind the scenes to bring the Hub to life and introduced the local team who will deliver services on the ground.

Veterans and families were acknowledged as central to the Hub’s existence, with the space designed following community consultation and built to be welcoming, accessible and family friendly.

“For many ADF personnel, transitioning out of the ADF can be quite tough and quite isolating. The Hub here will be a place to come and connect in a safe place and get that same sense of comradery as they had in the ADF,” said Hayley Catford, Manager of the Hunter Veteran and Family Hub.

The opening represents more than the completion of a building, marking a long-term commitment to veterans and their families in the Hunter.

“At RSL LifeCare, our purpose is to enrich the lives of veterans and seniors. The Hunter Veteran and Family Hub is a tangible expression of that purpose, creating a space where veterans and their families feel supported, understood and connected,” Mr Pearce said.

The opening of the Hunter Veteran and Family Hub reinforced RSL LifeCare’s ongoing commitment to standing alongside veterans and their families, ensuring support in the Hunter is accessible, trusted and enduring.