Veteran Services Highlights – 2025 Wrap Up

We’re delighted to share the key achievements of RSL LifeCare Veteran Services from January to November 2025. 

Our work is made possible thanks to the generous support of RSL NSW and its sub-Branches, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), and our incredible donors and partners. Together, we’re creating meaningful change for veterans and their families every day. 

What was delivered in 2025:  

• $644,500 in financial assistance provided to veterans and families, including $230,400 for those impacted by natural disasters in NSW.
• 235 veterans experiencing homelessness supported, with 3,461 nights of safe accommodation delivered.
• 628 veterans assisted with 2,428 DVA claims.
• 155 veterans and partners referred to our employment program.
• 184 new Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) appeals lodged, 216 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation discussions completed, and representation at 57 VRB hearings.
• 193 veterans participated in 22 horse handling and riding courses, supported by 2,040 volunteer hours at Spur Ranch.
• In addition, our 9 Veteran and Family Hubs hosted 797 events, and welcomed more than 8,270 visitors.

Click the images to enlarge them.

Wellbeing

Our wellbeing team offers confidential, compassionate support—whether it’s financial assistance, housing, education, or disaster relief. This year, we welcomed nine new Engagement & Community Officers (ECOs) across our Veteran and Family Hubs, strengthening our person-centred care model. ECOs provide a safe space for veterans to discuss their needs and connect with tailored support pathways, while building strong community partnerships to streamline services. 

During 2025, we provided $644,500 of financial assistance including $230,400 to veteran families impacted by natural disasters in NSW. 

RSL Employment Program

In 2025, the RSL Employment Program achieved record-breaking results, marking a highly productive, impactful, and rewarding year.  

This year we have helped the veteran community in the following ways:

• 155 clients referred to the program
• 153 employment opportunities were uploaded to the RSL Employment Program jobs board. 
• 35 clients successfully secured suitable, meaningful, and sustainable employment through the program. 

Community Engagement & Outreach support

• Our team attended seven ADF Transition Seminars across New South Wales.
• The team undertook a five-day regional tour across the Central West and Orana regions of NSW, including attendance at the National Field Days in Orange.

A significant milestone this year was the launch of a new initiative with Baxter Healthcare Australia. Under this partnership, Baxter Healthcare Australia will interview any RSL Employment Program client and seek to connect them with suitable employment opportunities across their Australia-wide operations. This initiative represents a transformative opportunity for both the program and the veterans it supports. 

Veteran & Family Hubs

With 9 operating Veteran and Family Hubs around NSW and the ACT, we are now able to support even more veterans and their families. 

The Hubs are a true place of connection and community for our veterans and their families.  They can visit the Hub, and make use of the facilities as they need to, and also access the support offerings which are available to them – from claims and advocacy support, wellbeing and financial assistance, housing, education and more.

Our Shoalhaven Hub Manager, Savannaha Wells, was acknowledged for her fantastic work at this years Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards, being awarded Partner Employee of the Year.

To read more about our Hub updates for the year, please click here.

Engaging with the local community – raising awareness & funds

The Veteran Services team has been active in the community, raising awareness of how we can help and raising money to support veterans in need. Some of the highlights include:  

Veteran Services Annual Golf Day 

In April 2025, over 20 teams came together at Cromer Golf Course for a day of fun on the greens and some healthy competition, all raising money for a good cause, supporting our veterans and their families.  

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and participants on the day, we were able to raise significant funds for our charitable purpose. Together, we raised over $30,000. Special thanks to Dee Why RSL for returning as the major sponsor for the fourth year in a row! 

To read more about the event and check out some great action shots, click here.

Volunteer of The Year – Gerard Sutton 

In September, passionate Spur Ranch volunteer and NRL Referee, Gerard Sutton, was recognised as Volunteer of The Year at the 2025 RSL LifeCare Gala Awards. Gerard is a regular at the ranch, and is involved in training horses, supporting veterans on courses and attending parades as a representative of Spur. He also played a key role in the Coonabarabran muster in November and continues to champion Spur Ranch and our broader Veteran Services in the community

Veterans and Seniors Expo 

In October, RSL LifeCare hosted an Expo at Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.  We were pleased to welcome 18 exhibitors to the expo, who all provided valuable information on services available to veterans and their families, as well as important information for seniors planning the next phase of their life.  Watch now – here’s a short video to see the event in action!

2025 Poppy Ball 

Our 3rd annual Poppy Ball was hosted in November aboard the HMAS Canberra (III). 500 guests gathered aboard the magnificent ship for an unforgettable night. Between dinner and dancing, guests were reminded of the purpose of the event, supporting veterans and their families. We heard empowering speeches of hope and support from distinguished speakers, including our host, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN, NSW Premier Chris Minns MP and a video message from our Patron, Her Excellency The Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn, Governor General of Australia.  

Together, we raised over $330,000 for critical services supporting veterans and their families. This is a record figure for an RSL LifeCare fundraising event, and highlights the generosity of our community of supporters. Special thanks to our sponsors on the night, particularly Raytheon Australia, who returned as the Platinum Sponsor for the third year running.  

To read more about the event and check out some fantastic photos, click here. 

Spur Ranch

2025 has been an incredible year for Spur Ranch, marked by growth, connection, and unforgettable experiences for our veteran community. 

22 Horse Handling & Riding Courses 

• Throughout the year, we delivered 22 hands-on courses designed to build confidence, horsemanship skills, and camaraderie among veterans. These sessions remain the heart of our program, fostering resilience and teamwork. 2026 course dates are available here.

Two Memorable Musters 

• Yellowscone Muster
  Our first muster was held on a stunning 900-acre property at Yellowscone. Days were spent mustering cattle on horseback, while evenings brought campfire cooking, stories, and the warmth of shared experiences under the stars. 

• Coonabarabran Muster and Remembrance Day
  In November, our second muster began with a powerful moment: veterans riding down the main street for Remembrance Day, hosted by the local RSL sub-Branch. This event honoured service and sacrifice while connecting us with the local Indigenous community. Veterans learned the story of William Allen Irwin, an Aboriginal WWI soldier, directly from his descendants—a deeply moving experience. The muster concluded with the first-ever Spur Team Sort Competition, held in Irwin’s honour.  Read more about the event here.

  

  

  

Commemorations & Community Engagement

Spur Ranch proudly participated in Anzac Day commemorations, featuring Apache and his medical cart and the solemn riderless horse tribute to fallen soldiers. These moments reinforced our commitment to honouring service and sacrifice.

Housing support for veterans and their families

Homelessness continues to be a challenging and tragic situation for too many veterans. Our Homes for Heroes program offers safety and compassion to veterans when they are at their most vulnerable. Watch this video to hear the challenging story of Jason, and how the Homes for Heroes program helped him get his life back on track.  

This year, we provided over 3,400 nights of safe, secure accommodation for veterans.   

RSL LifeCare is enhancing our Homes for Heroes program as part of the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.  We are investing in our team and infrastructure to better support veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We are also undertaking co-design workshops, bringing insights from veterans with lived experience of homelessness, to improve the housing and wellbeing journey.  

2026 will be a pivotal year for our program as we look to grow the supports available to veterans at this incredibly vulnerable time. To learn more about the program and some of the veterans we help, click here. 

Our Rent Choice Veterans’ program continues to support eligible veterans, providing subsidised rent for up to three years, giving veterans safety and security in their chosen community.  

Leading in Veterans Care

CEO, Janet Muir and James Dallas represented RSL LifeCare at the Senate Inquiry into issues relating to advocacy services for veterans. Janet’s remarks highlighted the risks and opportunities in the current system, and shared four key recommendations for reform.
To read more, click here.

Our team are committed to providing support and care to the veteran community, and are committed to advocating for their wellbeing, and providing practical programs. 

Veteran and Family Hub Update - 2025 Wrap Up

Recognising ClubGRANTS Support

We would like to thank the clubs who have supported our Veteran & Family Hubs and programs in their local communities through the ClubGRANTS scheme.

Thank you to the following clubs who generously donated to Veteran Services.

RSL LifeCare is a Veteran Friendly Employer

RSL LifeCare has been recognised as a Veteran Friendly Employer, by the Veteran Employment Program, demonstrating our ongoing commitment and dedication to the veteran community. 

Our efforts are proudly supported by funds from RSL NSW and its sub-Branches. The services we provide would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.  

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

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