RSL LifeCare vies for new veterans’ hubs
RSL LifeCare is hoping to open three more wellbeing hubs in New South Wales.
RSL LifeCare has announced it is a step closer to opening three more wellbeing hubs in New South Wales to support more than 70,000 veterans and their families with services tailored to each community’s needs.
The NSW and ACT aged care and retirement living provider has welcomed the go-ahead from the Australian Government to submit a business case for Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs in the Hunter, Tweed-North Coast and Queanbeyan regions as part the government’s $46.7 million commitment to deliver 10 new hubs across the country.
Adding to their existing footprint of four wellbing hubs, RSL LifeCare and partner RSL NSW intend to consult with local communities and other ex-service organisations to implement a hub-and-spoke model through the network of RSL sub-branches in these three regions.
RSL LifeCare chief executive officer Janet Muir said advancing to this next stage in the bid process was an essential milestone and the organisation was excited at the prospect of adding these new hubs.
“I want to give my thanks to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for recognising the importance of these hubs and providing the funding needed for organisations across Australia to provide these important services, and to RSL NSW for its continued support as we look to continue building our network of support services across the state.”
Since 2021, RSL NSW sub-branches have donated over $5.2 million to RSL LifeCare to support the ongoing delivery of services to veterans and their families.
Together they have already opened hubs in the Nowra, Riverina, Northern Beaches and Newcastle regions. They provide a range of services including health and wellbeing, education, housing, social support and connection, employment, income and financial support, and support with making claims for entitlements and subsequent advocacy where required.
The Nowra centre received funding under the Australian Government’s Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs program – which aims to support services tailored to the local community and delivered in partnership with state, territory and local government, ex-service organisations and community groups.
RSL NSW president Ray James welcomed the commitment from the Australian Government to expand the services to other areas. “RSL NSW is committed to supporting the hubs because we know they work.”
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