
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

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...

3 Mar 2016
Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter releases endorphins, giving us the ‘feel good factor’ Acts as aerobic exercise and is like ‘internal jogging’ Unleashes...

5 May 2016
A healthy diet for a healthy heart
Valentine’s Day saw people thinking of love and things of the heart and we thought it would be a...

10 Oct 2016
Pets and Positive Ageing
Animals play an important role in our lives. As Community Staff, we are blessed to see the bonds that...

More from the blog
Latest News
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 incredible women of RSL LifeCare and...
Read moreState-of-the-art Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre now open to veterans and their families
RSL LifeCare has officially opened its purpose built, state-of-the-art facility to permanently house the Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre, providing an expanded range of health and...
Read moreRSL LifeCare’s Response to Federal Budget
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment in additional support and funding across Aged Care and Veterans’ Services as part of the October 2022...
Read moreRSL LifeCare welcomes new CEO
Media Release 21 September 2022 RSL LifeCare has welcomed a new CEO this week, with the appointment of experienced and entrepreneurial business leader, Janet Muir. ...
Read moreFee-free certified training for veterans or their partners across NSW with JobTrainer
In collaboration with Training Services NSW through their JobTrainer program, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services is providing access to four certification programs across hospitality, business, leadership...
Read moreAccess to fee-free certified training with the JobTrainer pilot program
In collaboration with Training Services NSW through their JobTrainer program, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services are piloting access to three certification programs across business, leadership and...
Read moreLakes of Cherrybrook
As a part-owner of ‘Lakes of Cherrybrook,’ RSL LifeCare is aware of some building and maintenance issues raised by a small number of Strata owners...
Read moreVale Walter Williams OAM
RSL LifeCare staff and residents alike have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long - time ANZAC Village resident and respected RSL...
Read moreGiving 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 are a core part of RSL...
Read moreHugh Cunningham Gardens welcomes Australian Defence Force support
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the support of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel at Hugh Cunningham Gardens residential aged care home at Tura Beach. The 15-person...
Read moreConstruction Begins on Permanent Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre
Construction has begun on a new purpose built, state-of-the-art facility to permanently house the Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre, providing an expanded range of health and...
Read more