Major construction works begin on the permanent home for the Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub

Major construction works are now underway on the permanent home for the Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub, marking an important milestone in expanding support for veterans and their families across the region. 

RSL LifeCare and RSL NSW were joined by the NSW Minister for Veterans the Hon. David Harris MP, Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP and project partners for the groundbreaking ceremony at the historic Richmond Court House.  

The update of the heritage-listed building will preserve its historic character while transforming it into a welcoming and accessible hub where current and former serving veterans and their families can access support services, community programs and social connections close to home. 

The project forms part of a $5.5 million Australian Government grant supporting the development of two new Veteran and Family Hubs at Richmond and Bardia Barracks. Together, the hubs will strengthen access to advocacy, wellbeing services, social connection and community programs across the Hawkesbury and south-west Sydney. The NSW Government has also supported the Richmond project by providing the heritage-listed Richmond Court House site. 

The Hawkesbury has a strong and longstanding connection to Australia’s defence community. More than 11,000 veterans and family members in the region are already supported through RSL LifeCare’s temporary hub at Windsor RSL Club, with the new Richmond location set to further enhance local access to services and support. 

RSL LifeCare CEO Drew Pearce said the project reflects a shared commitment to improving the wellbeing of veterans and their families. 

“The Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub is a strong example of what can be achieved when governments and veteran organisations work together with a shared commitment to supporting veterans and their families. 

“RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW, is proud to be delivering this project, transforming the historic Richmond Court House into a welcoming place of support, connection and care for veterans and their families across the region. 

Mr Pearce said the hub would ensure veterans and families can access the support they need within their local community. 

“The Hawkesbury has a proud and longstanding connection to Australia’s defence community, and this Hub will ensure local veterans and families can access advocacy, wellbeing services, community programs and referral pathways closer to home. 

“We thank the Australian Government, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the NSW Government and the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs for their partnership in bringing this important project to life and creating a lasting community asset for the Hawkesbury veteran community.” 

Once complete, the Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub will provide a permanent place for veterans and their families to connect, access support and build wellbeing, helping RSL LifeCare continue its purpose of enriching the lives of veterans and seniors.