New funding to strengthen support for veterans and families

Veterans and families across NSW and the ACT will benefit from more than $152,000 in funding through the Australian Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program. The funding will help more people participate in meaningful activities, build relationships and access services closer to home.

Provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), the funding will support Indigenous engagement activities through the Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub, music-based programs in Queanbeyan, initiatives for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and equine-assisted activities in regional NSW.

The announcement also included support for a new Trojan’s Trek pilot, which will be delivered through RSL LifeCare-operated Veteran and Family Hubs in NSW, creating additional opportunities for veterans and families to participate in wellbeing programs close to home. 

RSL LifeCare Chief Veteran Services Officer David Anderson welcomed the funding and thanked the Australian Government and DVA for their ongoing commitment to veterans and families. 

“We are grateful to the Australian Government and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for investing in programs that help veterans and families stay engaged and supported. Every person’s journey is different. These projects create opportunities for veterans and families to learn new skills, strengthen relationships and take part in activities that can have a positive impact on their lives.” Mr Anderson said.

Supporting Indigenous veterans in the Shoalhaven

 The Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub will deliver two Indigenous Engagement Workshops, providing opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans to share experiences, celebrate service and strengthen relationships. 

The workshops will also highlight the contribution of First Nations veterans and help foster stronger engagement with Indigenous veterans across the Shoalhaven region.

Expanding the healing power of music in Queanbeyan

The Queanbeyan Chapter of the Canberra Veterans Music Group will expand opportunities for veterans to participate in music-based activities that encourage creativity, confidence and friendship. 

By bringing people together through a shared interest, the program provides an enjoyable way for veterans to stay active, engaged and involved in local life.

New opportunities through Homes for Heroes 

 A new 12-month program through Homes for Heroes will help veterans experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness access services, participate in local activities and build greater confidence and independence. 

The initiative aims to reduce barriers that can lead to isolation and help participants remain engaged with the services and experiences available to them.

Expanding equine programs in regional NSW 

The Spur Equine Program Wellness and Engagement initiative will expand into Scone and Coonabarabran, giving more veterans in regional communities access to horse-assisted activities. 

The program helps participants develop confidence, learn new skills and experience the benefits of working with horses in a safe and supportive environment.

RSL LifeCare Chief Executive Officer Drew Pearce said the projects demonstrate the value of locally driven initiatives that respond to the diverse needs of veterans and families. 

“These grants will help us expand programs that make a real difference in people’s lives, whether that’s strengthening cultural identity, encouraging participation in group activities or making it easier to access services. Each project has been shaped by local needs and will help more veterans and families discover new experiences, build confidence and participate in activities that matter to them.” Mr Anderson said. 

No matter where someone is in their journey, help is available. Veterans and families can access information about local Veteran and Family Hubs, housing and homelessness services, DVA claims and advocacy, employment assistance, financial support and a range of wellbeing programs through RSL LifeCare Veteran Services.  

To learn more, visit the RSL LifeCare Veteran Services website.