Veterans hub looking like a certainty after election pledges

BENDIGO is almost certain to get an official veterans’ and families’ hub, with the major players in tomorrow’s election promising to fund the project if they are elected.

Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch president Glenn Ludeman could not be happier.

“Now we can proceed with confidence,” Mr Ludeman said. “That (the dual announcements) was just a wonderful moment.”

Nationals candidate Andrew Lethlean announced last Wednesday that a Coalition Government would fund a hub to the tune of $5 million if it is successful tomorrow, with Labor Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters matching the commitment the following day.

Mr Ludeman said the four stakeholders in the push for a hub – the RSL sub-branch, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Bendigo branch, Bendigo Legacy and RSL Victoria – would now establish a project group to begin formal work on the plan.

He said the funding pledges had “raised the spirits considerably” of all the groups, which had been pursuing the concept of a formal hub since the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide handed down its recommendations in September last year.

“Now that we’ve received [pledges of] the funding, we’ll draw up plans for a built-for-purpose building,” he said.

The project control group would deal with matters like a site for the hub, what services it will offer, and a timeline for its development, Mr Ludeman said.

He said about 9000 veterans reside in the local government areas covered by the four organisations. Bendigo has about 3900 veterans alone.

“I’ve met with local leaders of the various organisations and I know how important this is for them and our community,” Mr Lethlean said.

“Those who have served in the Australian Defence Force deserve more than our respect – they deserve additional support if and when they need it.”

Matching Mr Lethlean’s pledge, Ms Chesters said “this announcement will make such a difference for local veterans and their families in our region.”

“It will ensure that the services and support that veterans and their families need are co-located at one site,” she said.