Veteran Services Highlights – July to September 2025

We’re pleased to provide this update for you, for Veteran Services highlights from July to September 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 July to September 2025 we supported the veteran community by:

• Providing over $172,800 in financial assistance. 
• Assisting 110 veterans experiencing homelessness, and providing 1,631 nights of accommodation. 
• Helping 227 veterans to lodge 783 DVA claims. 
• Lodging 72 new VRB appeals, completing 53 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation discussions and representing 22 full VRB Hearings. 
• Guiding 53 veterans through 6 horse handling and riding courses and logging 392 hours of volunteer activities at Spur Ranch. 

Click the images to enlarge them.

Wellbeing

During July to September 2025, we provided $172,800 of financial assistance.  This is just one way that our team provides wellbeing support to veterans in need.

Our wellbeing team provides support that ranges from financial assistance, employment, education support, and wellbeing. 

The wellbeing team has representation at all of the RSL LifeCare Veteran and Family Hub locations throughout NSW with the newly appointment Engagement and Community Officers being onboarded.  

We are pleased to share that we have been awarded a grant to deliver a Veteran and Family Writers Program. This initiative will provide veterans and their families with a meaningful opportunity to document and share their experiences within the veteran community. The will be delivered in partnership with the Australian Writers Centre, with the Wellbeing team collaborating closely with the Hubs on effective implementation.

RSL Employment Program

This past quarter has been both productive and impactful for the RSL Employment Program, reflecting continued growth in community engagement, employer partnerships, and key program milestones. 

In July, we were proud to support the Queanbeyan Veteran and Family Hub during the ADF Transition Seminar. Additionally, the program hosted two successful events at the Queanbeyan Hub: a Defence Partner Information Session and an Employer Information Session.  Both Local and State Government representatives attended including Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Hon Kristy McBain MP, underscoring the importance of our work in connecting veterans and their families with meaningful employment opportunities. 

In August, we partnered with Baxter Healthcare, one of our key employer supporters, for their annual charity sleepout. The event raised an impressive $25,000 for Parramatta Mission and the Parramatta RSL Sub-Branch. A major milestone was also achieved in August with the program surpassing the total number of job placements recorded in the entire 2024 calendar year. This achievement highlights the growing demand for our services and the effectiveness of our employment support model.  

In September, Referral numbers to the Employment program continued to rise, reflecting increased awareness and ongoing need for tailored employment support within the veteran and defence family community. 

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.

Engaging with the local community – raising awareness & funds

Our Northern Beaches Veteran Wellbeing Centre team coordinated our first Veteran and Family Expo at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park on 1 October. With 19 buzzing stalls, inspiring guest speakers, and a powerful presence from RSL LifeCare’s diverse services, the energy was electric. And importantly, veterans and family members could connect and learn about the suite of services that are here to support them. 

The Hawkesbury team was thrilled to be invited to host a stall at the RAAF Richmond Airshow, a fantastic opportunity to showcase our Hub and services to the wider community. The Airshow was an opportunity to connect with Defence Industry participants, various community services, including local council, other ESO’s, veteran centric organisations and ADF personnel. RSL LifeCare aged care teams were also present to help the community learn more about the full range of services available to veterans and seniors.

Spur Ranch

In July, the Spur Ranch team took seven veterans on a memorable cattle muster hosted by Jane at YellowScone Adventures. The week was filled with teamwork, resilience, and camaraderie as participants mustered cattle, camped alongside their horses, and shared stories around the fire. 

These musters are more than just riding and rounding up cattle. They are about building bonds, embracing challenges, and creating space for healing and growth. 

The team are now gearing up for their next adventure in Coonabarabran and looking ahead to 2026.  2026 course dates are available here.

The Spur Ranch team are also very proud of volunteer, Gerard Sutton, for being recognised as Volunteer of The Year at the 2025 RSL LifeCare Gala Awards. Gerard was recognised for his tireless support of the Spur Ranch program. Gerard’s dedication shines through in every corner of our program—from training horses and supporting veterans at musters, to attending parades with Apache the pony and medical cart. Gerard played a key role in organising the upcoming Coonabarabran muster, and helping bring NRL referees to the Anzac Parade in Narrabeen. Gerard also secured a generous sponsorship from Ariat to support our veterans.  Gerard’s passion and commitment continue to make a lasting impact. Thank you, Gerard! 

Housing support for veterans and their families

Providing safe housing options for vulnerable members of the veteran community continues to be at the forefront of the free services we provide veterans.

During July to September 2025, the demand for housing support continued. 

• 92 veterans were referred to Homes for Heroes and Rent Choice Veterans
• 6 veterans entered the Homes for Heroes program at Narrabeen
• 33 veterans were supported through community outreach programs
• 6 veterans have completed the Homes for Heroes program and moved on to long term sustainable housing. A further 5 veterans moved into private rental solutions, and 1 veteran moved into long term housing at Beersheba, the dedicated concessional housing program at RSL ANZAC Village.  

On Sunday, 28 September, Brooklyn RSL sub-Branch welcomed veterans from Homes for Heroes aboard the MV Deliverance for a memorable cruise and lunch on the Hawkesbury River, generously hosted by The Riverboat Postman. The day included a visit to Refuge Bay, a site steeped in history as the training ground for Z Special Unit and the launch point for their daring Operation JAYWICK raid on Singapore Harbour in 1943. Thank you to Brooklyn sub-Branch for continuing this annual tradition and for their generous $10,000 donation through the Veteran Support Fund in 2025. 

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.

Our CEO Janet Muir represented RSL LifeCare at the Senate Inquiry into issues relating to advocacy services for veterans. At RSL LifeCare, we stand ready to partner with Government, the Committee, and fellow ESOs to deliver the reforms that will ensure every veteran has access to the representation, support, and dignity they deserve.

Veteran and Family Hub Update - July to September 2025

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

• Brighton RSL Club
• Campsie RSL
• Castle Hill RSL Club
• Club Burwood
• Davistown RSL Club
• Dee Why RSL
• Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL Club
• Ettalong Diggers
• Gosford RSL Club
• Hornsby RSL Club
• Kingsgrove RSL Club
• Merrylands RSL
• North Ryde RSL
• Ramsgate RSL
• Shoalhaven Ex Servos
• The Ary Toukley
• Wagga RSL

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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