Green light for long-awaited veterans' hub

Green light for long-awaited veterans’ hub

The Surf Coast Geelong Veterans' and Families' Hub was announced as part of a $5.5m federal election commitment in 2022. (From left) Labor's former veteran affairs spokesperson Shayne Neumann, Corangamite MP Libby Coker and former Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler at Torquay Bowls Club in April 2022. Photo: Tim Lamacraft.

CONSTRUCTION will begin this month on a long-awaited veterans’ support hub in Belmont, more than a year after it was originally expected to open.

The $5.5m Surf Coast Geelong Veterans’ and Families’ Hub will be built behind the Geelong RSL Sub-Branch on Barwon Heads Road after receiving planning approval from the City of Greater Geelong.

RSL Victoria is in contract negotiations with its preferred builder ahead of works beginning.

The facility is expected to open in the second half of 2027 and will provide integrated health, wellbeing, advocacy, employment and housing support for veterans and their families across Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine.

While the permanent hub is being built, RSL Victoria will begin delivering its new regional service model from the Geelong RSL from 1 July, with outreach services extending across the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.

The project was originally expected to open last year but was delayed after a new electrical substation, not included in the original plans, was required.

RSL Victoria chief executive Sue Cattermole said construction would pave the way for expanded services across the region.

“The approval to start construction of the new Surf Coast Geelong Veterans and Families Hub in July is a major milestone in the project, but also a major milestone for veterans and their families in the region,” she said.

“With the new regional service model also starting in July, we will have an established model with an expanded service offering and improved outcomes for veterans by the time the new physical hub is completed.”

The hub is one of several new facilities being established under a federal expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs network.

“Our veterans and their families deserve access to high-quality support close to home,” Corangamite MP Libby Coker said.

“I was proud to advocate for this investment because I know how important it is that veterans and their families can more easily access the services they need, when they need them.”