Riverina Veterans front and centre for RSL NSW and RSL LifeCare

RSL NSW and its partner charity RSL LifeCare have announced today that a veteran wellbeing centre will be established and operated by them in Wagga Wagga for Riverina-based veterans and their families.

RSL LifeCare will identify a fit-for-purpose temporary premises for the centre to expedite the delivery of ongoing social services and support to veterans and their families including physical and mental health, advocacy, education and employment, housing, and financial assistance.

RSL NSW Wagga Wagga sub-Branch President David Gardiner welcomed the announcement and said that the centre will be developed in consultation with local veterans and service providers, and ex-service organisations, like Legacy and Pro Patria, and will be modelled on the federally funded Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres.

“RSL NSW and its partner charity RSL LifeCare are continuing to consult with the Wagga Wagga community to develop an ongoing sustainable operating model for the provision of comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality local services for veterans and their families.

“This is an excellent result for the Riverina, and the sub-Branch looks forward to working with the veteran community to deliver the services and support they need.”

RSL LifeCare Board Chair Mark Dickson said, “as a leading provider of veteran services, RSL LifeCare is committed to expanding its service delivery to the Riverina veteran community”.

Mr Dickson said that it is anticipated that the veteran wellbeing centre will be operational by October this year.

RSL NSW and RSL LifeCare have requested the financial support of the Australian Government to assist with the establishment of a permanent facility. RSL LifeCare will expedite the advertisement of employment opportunities at the centre to the Wagga Wagga community.

The initiative demonstrates how the network of over 340 RSL NSW sub-Branches and RSL LifeCare work together to provide access to the niche services and support sought by the NSW veteran community and their families.