Annual Update – 2020
For many, 2020 was a year of change, challenges and uncertainty – but it was also a year of resilience, adaptation and connection.
It was no different for the team at RSL DefenceCare as we continued to support Australian veterans and their families through bushfires, homelessness, COVID-19 and many other challenges.
While adapting to the new norms, we offered all of our services, including help with Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims, advocacy at Veterans’ Review Board hearings and financial assistance. We also provided counselling, housing assistance for veterans experiencing homelessness and social connection through phone calls and visits.
Throughout 2020, RSL DefenceCare was able to:
- Provide $525,609 in financial assistance including $324,305 in disaster assistance.
- Assist 107 veterans experiencing homelessness.
- Help 505 veterans to lodge 1567 DVA claims.
- Provide 310 counselling sessions.
- Make 474 virtual or socially distanced visits to veterans and family members at homes, hospitals or nursing homes.
- Lodge 173 new VRB appeals, complete 244 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation discussions and represent 57 full VRB Board Hearings.
Financial assistance
Throughout 2020, we provided $525,609 in financial assistance including $324,305 in disaster assistance. The bushfires at the beginning of the year devastated regional communities, many where veterans and their families reside. Our disaster assistance fund was available to support those families during a traumatic period.
Our financial assistance service also helped veteran families find accommodation, keep the lights on, and stay connected with loved ones when the pandemic impacted employment and threatened people’s livelihoods.
The help we’ve had out of DefenceCare has been tremendous. – Glen, RSL DefenceCare client
Homelessness and housing support
Over the last twelve months, we helped 107 veterans experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless.
RSL DefenceCare was also integral in providing feedback on the Rent Choice Veterans’ program, expanding access to affordable housing for even more veterans.
In addition, our transition into RSL LifeCare Veteran Services allows our team to work more closely than ever with the Homes for Heroes program – providing a more holistic and supportive service to even more veterans.
Through collaboration, Homes for Heroes was able to assist an at-risk veteran with transition accommodation while our housing project officer set about finding him a more permanent living situation. During this time, he was also referred on to his local veterans’ centre for mental health support. This work gave the veteran somewhere to call home, as well as the sense of security and self-empowerment he needed to embrace a more positive outlook for the future.
“They not only treated me as human, but as an ex-serviceman in need. I cannot recommend them more highly.” – an RSL DefenceCare client
DVA claims and appeals
During 2020, we helped 505 veterans to lodge 1567 DVA claims.
We also lodged 173 new VRB appeals, completed 244 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation discussions and represented 57 full VRB Board Hearings.
The pandemic meant a shift in how our claims advisors met and worked with clients; face-to-face visits have always been the norm.
The team were able to adapt to the challenges of 2020, and successfully transitioned to virtual appointments using videoconferencing and phone calls, while maintaining a professional and compassionate connection to their clients.
Successfully accessing a white card, gold card, or other benefits from DVA can be very helpful in providing security after service. Our specialist team, many who are veterans themselves, are here to help you understand the claims process and access the benefits you are entitled to.
These services, like all of those offered by RSL DefenceCare are free of charge.
RSL DefenceCare made a massive difference to both my experience in dealing with DVA and also the very positive outcome of my claim. – an RSL DefenceCare client


Community support and outreach
Social connection was so vital in 2020. At a time when isolation and uncertainty became an issue for all Australians, having a support network and people to talk to made such a difference to our clients.
Throughout the year, we were able to provide 310 counselling sessions and make 474 virtual or socially distanced visits to veterans and family members at homes, hospitals or nursing homes.
A huge thank you to the team for their assistance. – An RSL DefenceCare client


Always there
Reflecting on 2020, we have all overcome some incredible challenges. The start of 2021 looks like having many of those same challenges. RSL DefenceCare, and the broader RSL LifeCare Veteran Services team will continue to grow and adapt to the needs of our clients.
We will always be there for veterans in need.
Our efforts are proudly supported by funds from RSL NSW and RSL sub-Branches, and the services we provide would not be possible without the generous support of donors.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Search the blog
News & Stories

11 Nov 2023
Positive impact of Intergenerational Relationships
The power of intergenerational relationships has been demonstrated on ABC’s Old People’s Home for Teenagers, featuring residents from RSL...

11 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare secures $1.7 million funding to establish Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub and $243,000 for a centre at Bardia Barracks
RSL LifeCare has received $1.7 million in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants One-Off Program to establish...

11 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare awarded $520,341 in government funding to enhance Veteran wellbeing services in Riverina
RSL LifeCare has secured $520,341 in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veterans Wellbeing Grants One-Off program that will be...

11 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare hosts the inaugural Poppy Ball aboard HMAS Adelaide (III)
The inaugural Poppy Ball was held in Sydney on Saturday 11 November 2023 aboard the HMAS Adelaide (III). The...

9 Sep 2023
RSL LifeCare announces plans for new Veteran Wellbeing Centre in Dee Why
RSL LifeCare is set to extend its crucial service delivery for local veterans and their families with the opening...

9 Sep 2023
RSL LifeCare Nowra Community Unveils Visionary Expansion, Elevating Retirement Living to New Heights
RSL LifeCare has today announced Stage 2 release of its Dumaresq Retirement Village at RSL LifeCare Nowra Community. The...

8 Aug 2023
Federal Government grant awarded to RSL LifeCare
RSL LifeCare has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Australian Government to support the development of a business...

8 Aug 2023
RSL LifeCare a finalist in Best Graduate Development Program – Australian HR Awards 2023
August 2023 – RSL LifeCare’s Graduate Registered Nurse Program has been announced as a finalist in the Australian HR...

8 Aug 2023
RSL LifeCare successfully moves to the second stage in becoming the provider for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in both the Tweed-North Coast region and Queanbeyan.
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the opportunity by the Federal Government to submit a business case to deliver a Veterans’...

3 Mar 2023
Message from our CEO celebrating International Women’s Day
Good morning everyone, Today, on International Women’s Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by the...

6 Jun 2022
Vale Walter Williams OAM
RSL LifeCare staff and residents alike have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long – time...

5 May 2022
Giving our nurses a voice to lead
Today, on International Nurses Day (IND) we shine a light on our nursing staff and their vital work. Our nurses...
4 Apr 2022
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services – one team supporting veterans and their families
The delivery of Veteran Services has been core to RSL LifeCare since its beginnings over 100 years ago. Now,...

3 Mar 2022
How the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program helps veterans find work
Transitioning to a different career is not always easy for veterans returning to civilian life. The RSL Veterans’ Employment...
11 Nov 2021
RSL LifeCare Annual Report 2021
I am pleased to advise that the 2021 RSL LifeCare Annual Report is now available. This annual report is...
10 Oct 2021
Rapid Antigen Test kits now available to Aged Care providers.
The Department of Health is offering Rapid Antigen Test kits to aged care providers across NSW in high-risk Local...

8 Aug 2021
Aged Care Employee Day is a day to thank everyone at RSL LifeCare.
7th August is Aged Care Employee Day. This is a day for us to thank every person who works...

7 Jul 2021
World War 2 code breaker Marion Painter features in Sky News documentary
ANZAC Village, Narrabeen resident Marion Painter has featured in Sky News documentary, The Alliance, about her time as a...

6 Jun 2021
Aged care workers should be vaccinated on site.
AGED care provider, RSL LifeCare, have applauded the Australian Government for their decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for staff...
1 Jan 2020
Annual Update – 2019
At RSL DefenceCare our mission is to meet the needs of Australian veterans and their families seeking help with...
4 Apr 2020
Quarterly Update – January-March 2020
At RSL DefenceCare our mission is to meet the needs of Australian veterans and their families seeking help with...
7 Jul 2020
Quarterly Update – April-June 2020
At RSL DefenceCare we strive to support Australian veterans and their families during times of injury, illness or crisis....

Download a brochure
We'll never share your email address and you can opt out at any time, we promise
