Veteran Services Highlights – April to June 2025

We are pleased to announce that we have been recognised as a Veteran Friendly Employer, by the Veteran Employment Program.  This is fantastic recognition of our ongoing commitment and dedication to the veteran community. 

We’re pleased to provide this update for you, for Veteran Services highlights from April to June 2025.

Our services are possible thanks to the ongoing and generous support of RSL NSW and its sub-Branches; and from the support of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and all key donors and contributors. Together, we can offer meaningful support to more veterans and their families, every day.

During April to June 2025 we supported the veteran community by:

• Providing over $236,560 in financial assistance. 
• Assisting 74 veterans experiencing homelessness, and providing 1,053 nights of accommodation. 
• Helping 211 veterans to lodge 651 DVA claims. 
• Referring 47 veterans or partners into our employment program.
• Lodging 46 new VRB appeals, completing 59 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation discussions and representing 10 full VRB Hearings. 
• Guiding 54 veterans through 67 horse handling and riding courses and logging 540 hours of volunteer activities at Spur Ranch. 

Click the images to enlarge them.

Wellbeing

Our wellbeing team provides support that ranges from financial assistance, employment, education support and wellbeing. During April to June 2025, we provided $236,560 of financial assistance.

 Our wellbeing team provides support that ranges from financial assistance, employment, education support, and wellbeing. This quarter we provided almost $150,000 in financial assistance to veteran families impacted by two separate natural disasters that occurred in NSW; the storms and flooding in Far West NSW and the storms and flooding on the East Coast.  

RSL Employment Program

The last three months have been a very busy period for the RSL Employment Program. The program has conducted two regional visits to the Hunter Valley and Riverina regions, and attended ADF Transition Seminars in Queanbeyan, Newcastle, and Wagga Wagga.

Defence Partner Employment Information Sessions have also been held in Queanbeyan, Holsworthy, Randwick, Maitland, and Wagga Wagga. Additionally, the program has actively engaged with numerous employers across New South Wales.

Veteran & Family Hubs

We are pleased to announce that our North Coast and Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hubs are now open and helping veterans and their families in their local regions.  The teams are now meeting with members of the local community and supporting them with the full range of support services.  Pop in and see the teams, they’re ready to help! 

With 8 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.

Engaging with the local community – raising awareness & funds

In April this year, we held the annual Veteran Services Golf Day at beautiful Cromer Golf Course.  The camaraderie and good spirits of the day was felt by all, and collectively the event raised over $30,000 in support of veterans and their families.   Thanks again to our major Sponsor, Dee Why RSL, and all of our sponsors who provide ongoing support to us to enable us to help more veterans and their families. To see more golf action and photos from the day, click here. 

Housing support for veterans and their families

As part of the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program grant, our housing team has undertaken significant work to enhance our Homes for Heroes program. This quarter, we kicked off co-design workshops, bringing together veterans who have experienced homelessness, providing vital insight into how services can be improved across the housing and wellbeing journey. This collaborative process is helping to shape a more veteran-centric model of care, built on empathy, empowerment, and practical solutions. 

Leading in Veterans Care

As a leading support organisation for veterans, our team members take pride in ensuring their knowledge and skills are current.

Our team continues to advocate for our veterans and uses their information to ensure the best outcome is achieved for each individual.

A reminder: Simplifying Veterans’ Appeals: The Single Review Pathway 

Starting from 21 April 2025, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is introducing the Single Review Pathway to streamline the appeals process for veterans. This initiative harmonizes the review procedures across all three major legislative acts governing veterans’ benefits. 

What’s changing with the Single Review Pathway: 

• All appeals, regardless of the governing act, will begin with a review by the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB). 
• Eliminates the need for internal reconsideration for DRCA claims, providing a more straightforward appeal process. 
• The VRB offers a less formal and more supportive environment compared to the ART, aiming to make the appeals process more accessible and efficient for veterans.

How do the changes impact appeals:

• Decisions made before 21 April 2025: 
  • The existing appeal processes will remain in place. 
  • Timeframes for lodging appeals under the current system will still apply. 
• Decisions made on or after 21 April 2025: 
  • The new Single Review Pathway will be applicable. 
  • All initial appeals will be directed to the VRB. 

This reform aims to provide a clearer, more consistent, and veteran-centric approach to handling appeals. This will ensure that veterans and their families can navigate the system with greater ease and confidence. 

For more information, visit the DVA’s official page on the Single Review Pathway: https://www.dva.gov.au/single-review-pathway 

Spotlight on new support resources for veterans

New GambleAware resources for veterans and their families

Veterans, people who serve or have served in the Australia Defence Force, are almost twice as likely to experience gambling harm compared to the general population.

To support veterans and their families, the Office of Responsible Gambling has created a range of new and targeted GambleAware resources. These resources provide practical information, tips on how to spot the signs of gambling harm and ways to get support when it’s needed. All resources are available now for download on the GambleAware website.

The resources were co-designed with the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs, RSL LifeCare, RSL NSW, Open Arms and Bravery Trust.

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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