What is RSL Life Care? Find out
find | RSL LifeCare - provide care and service to war veterans, retirement villages and accommodation, aged care services and assisted living
October 13, 2021

RSL DefenceCare Quarterly update – July-September 2021

The last three months have been difficult for all Australians. In many parts of New South Wales, almost the entire period was spent in lockdown. This has meant increased levels of stress and isolation. Fortunately, with lockdown ending and restrictions easing, there is a brighter outlook for the end of 2021.

During this period, we have continued to support Australian veterans and their families in need. In addition to our normal services, we officially launched a partnership with Right Management to deliver the RSL Employment Program in New South Wales, and the Homes for Heroes program returned to RSL LifeCare Veteran Services. We also continue to offer help with Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims, advocacy at Veterans’ Review Board hearings, housing assistance and financial assistance.

Between July and September 2021, RSL DefenceCare was able to:

  • Provide $107,530 in financial assistance including $21,000 in disaster assistance.
  • Assist 48 veterans experiencing homelessness.
  • Help 254 veterans to lodge 810 DVA claims.
  • Facilitate 17 veterans or partners receiving employment assistance.
  • Make 101 virtual or socially distanced visits to veterans and family members at homes, hospitals or nursing homes.
  • Lodge 58 new VRB appeals, complete 67 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation discussions and represent 10 full VRB Board Hearings.

 

Wellbeing support

The biggest news in Wellbeing support for us was the return of the Homes for Heroes program to RSL LifeCare Veteran Services. The Homes for Heroes team provides support to veterans who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. It is a transitional program, with services designed to assist and support homeless veterans to access safe, secure and stable long-term accommodation in their chosen community.

Our Housing Project Officer works closely with the team, and together we can offer more comprehensive and veteran-centred support than ever before. When working with us, you are working with a team that understands the particular needs of veterans.

“Thank you so much the service you provide is invaluable.” – A grateful client

 

Employment assistance

On 17 August, we officially announced our partnership with Right Management to deliver the RSL Employment Program in New South Wales. We are very excited to be partnering with Right Management on this program and are looking to help veterans and their spouses across the state find their next role with a company that understands the value of employing veterans. If you are interested in the program, visit the RSL Employment website and register.

If your business is interested in employing more veterans, contact us to find out how you can get involved.

RSL Employment is funded by the Australian Government and supports veterans and their partners to find meaningful employment. Our team work with veterans and their partners to determine how they can best support their search for employment. Services within the program include:

  • Career counselling and help translating skills for the civilian job market
  • Help interpreting selection criteria
  • Writing CVs and application letters and social media profiles
  • Interview coaching
  • Connections to employers
  • Wellbeing support services

We deliver the RSL Employment Program in New South Wales on behalf of RSL NSW.

 

DVA claims and appeals

Despite lockdowns across the state over the last three months, our team are available over phone and videoconference. This means we can support veterans and their families no matter where they are in New South Wales. We have also recently employed a Claims Advisor in Ballina, providing a friendly and local face for veterans in the area.

DVA claims and the appeals process can be stressful for some veterans. Fortunately, our team of claims advisors and advocates understand the process well. We can help remove the stress and confusion for you and provide a better understanding of what you may be entitled to. In addition to our professional approach, most of the team are either veterans themselves or partners of veterans. We understand the unique needs of veterans and are here to support you through the process.

These services, like all of those offered by RSL DefenceCare, are free of charge.

“A big thank you to Jodi, Dean and James from Sydney who each helped me greatly with my initial claims and then my appeal to the VRB.” – A grateful client.

 

Always there

As the state opens up following an extended period in lockdown, remember that some family and friends may take time to adapt to the world being open again. For some, returning to social gatherings, pubs and shopping will feel normal; others may find this stressful and remain cautious of social situations. The important thing is to do what feels comfortable for you and be mindful of how others are feeling.

For those in need, keep in mind that our services are available over the phone and via videoconference – no matter where you are in the state, we can help you.

Below are also some support services if you need someone to talk to:

  • Open Arms – 1800 011 046
  • All-hours Support Line – 1800 628 036
  • Defence Family Helpline – 1800 624 608
  • ADR Chaplains – 1300 333 362
  • Lifeline – 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue – 1300 224 634
  • 1800 Respect – 1800 737 732

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.

Blog Posts

Help for Vets in Need

Veterans’ Services

Find out more

Latest News

array(2) { [0]=> int(175) [1]=> int(41) }
Joan Herringe

Joan’s Creative Pursuits: Knitting, Puzzles, and Cherished Moments at RSL LifeCare​

Many residents at RSL LifeCare love to participate in a variety of hobbies that keep their minds and hearts engaged. One such resident is Joan Herringe from RSL LifeCare Connie Fall. One...

Read more

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 LifeCare's Le Hamel Retirement Village and students...

Read more
Veteran Wellbeing Centre community event

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 a veteran and family hub-like experience...

Read more

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 used to expand its services and...

Read more

George Carpenter’s Inspiring Dedication to Preserving Military History

George Carpenter, an 87 year old resident of RSL ANZAC Village in Narrabeen, has been volunteering at the RSL LifeCare War Museum for three years...

Read more

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 expansion brings an array of new...

Read more

From Stables to Retirement Living: Tim Cooke’s Life Journey

"My journey kicked off when I was just 14 years old. The year was 1963. I waved goodbye to school and hello to an apprenticeship...

Read more

Journey Through 102 Years: The Life of Helen Lea

"My name is Helen Lea, and I've been lucky enough to reach the grand age of 102. I've always felt pretty good for my age....

Read more

Honouring Malaya & Borneo Veterans: A Story of Sidney Peter Bryant

Today, on August 31, we commemorate Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day and take a moment to pay tribute to those who served in the Malayan...

Read more

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 case to establish a Veterans’ and...

Read more

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 Awards 2023, Best Graduate Development Program...

Read more

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’ and Families’ Hub in these critical...

Read more

Download a brochure

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

Career Application Single

  • Accepted file types: docx, doc, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Veteran Services

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Are you ready to explore a new operations role with extra benefits?

Take your career in a new direction RSL LifeCare.

Search for an operations role at an RSL LifeCare Residential Aged Care facility in the Southern NSW region. Take a look at all our current positions here.

1. 100% funding on participating certifications

Undertake a participating certification through the RSL LifeCare Earn and Learn Incentive Program1 and you could be eligible to have your learning fully funded.

2. Cash bonus of up to $1000 (less income tax).

Through the RSL LifeCare Sign-on Bonus, you could be eligible for two split payments of $500 (less income tax), when you start a new role with us.

Contact Homes for Heroes today