RSL LifeCare announces Hunter Veteran and Family Hub location following the Community Consultation

RSL LifeCare has announced the location of the newest Veteran and Family Hub location in the Hunter today, following extensive consultation with veterans, family members, ex-service organisations and members of the local community.

The new hub will deliver vital services to the more than 22,000 veterans and their families in the region, including financial support, DVA claims assistance, employment assistance, transitional housing, and wellbeing programs to provide a holistic range of services.

The Hunter Veteran and Family Hub will be located at 48 Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland and was selected due to its close proximity to public transport, health facilities, Service NSW, shopping centres, and the nearby defence bases.

The announcement was made during a community consultation, attended by RSL LifeCare CEO Janet Muir, Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson, members of the East Maitland RSL sub-Branch, and Hunter Legacy, in East Maitland this morning.

“We know how important our hubs are to the local veteran community, which is why we have spent considerable time listening to, and actioning the feedback we received about the location and service delivery model of the hub,” said Ms Muir.

“The new hub is a place for the local veteran community – a space where they feel connected, supported, and deeply respected for their service. Let it stand as a lasting symbol of the immense gratitude and admiration that all Australians have for our veterans in the Hunter region.”

Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, worked closely with RSL LifeCare during the consultation process and expressed her support of the new hub location.

“It’s essential that we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of both our veterans and their families, who endure significant sacrifices to ensure our safety and security. Their dedication deserves our utmost respect and appreciation.

“Maitland’s central location is advantageous, allowing us to effectively serve the entire Hunter region. This accessibility ensures that veterans and their families can easily access the resources and support they need, reinforcing our commitment to their well-being. Together, we can continue to honour their service and ensure they receive the support they have earned,” Ms Swanson added.

With the support of RSL NSW, RSL LifeCare are developing Veteran and Family Hubs in locations across NSW near Defence bases where veteran families reside.

The new Hunter hub joins existing locations in Wagga Wagga, Nowra, the Northern Beaches, Newcastle, Queanbeyan and the Central Coast, with additional hubs under development along the Southwestern Sydney corridor and in the Far North Coast.

For the very first time, RSL LifeCare is expanding its veteran and family hub network to the ACT with the development of a hub in Canberra.

Veterans are the heart and soul of RSL LifeCare. In the financial year, the organisation reached more veterans and families than ever before across NSW and the ACT, including:

• Providing over 4,900 nights of safe shelter and accommodation for veterans experiencing homelessness.
• Helping more than 770 veterans to lodge a total of 3,390 DVA claims.
• At Spur Ranch Equine Program, RSL LifeCare offered 19 courses and musters for over 100 veterans, representing a 20 percent increase from the previous year.
• Financially supporting more than 350 veterans, totalling $359,392, a 26 percent increase from the previous year.

For more information about RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, visit https://rsllifecare.org.au/veteran-services/