SUPPORTING THEIR SERVICE: Surf Coast, Geelong to share Veterans’ and Families’ Hub

GEELONG and the Surf Coast will share the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub for the region, with the federal government authorising RSL Victoria to develop a business case.

Announced on Tuesday this week, the $50,000 grant will see RSL Victoria use the funds to work on a plan for the multipurpose hub, which is set to feature a range of culturally appropriate, co-ordinated services to assist with advocacy, case management, financial literacy, medical and allied health services and access to housing supports for veterans and families.

According to the federal government, the “current high level proposition will likely see an expansion of the Geelong RSL to accommodate the Hub, with an additional satellite site at Torquay in the Surf Coast Shire, as well as leveraging other RSL sub-branch sites”.

This model follows feedback from community consultation that identified the need for services to be available and easily accessible across the Surf Coast, rather than in just one location.

The new hub will give more than 6,600 veterans and their families in the Surf Coast and Geelong region improved access to specialist services closer to home.

“With this $50,000 grant, RSL Victoria will be able to undertake further consultation with key local veteran, family and service provider stakeholders, allowing them to identify local needs and opportunities and maximise benefits for veterans and families across the Surf Coast and Geelong,” Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said.

“RSL Victoria’s first Hub, the Tim Fischer Veterans and Families Hub in Wodonga, showcases the success of how the provision of services all in the same place can make the lives of veterans and their families much easier.

“We don’t want to take a cookie-cutter approach with Hubs around the country.

The opportunity for enhanced stakeholder consultation enables Hub services to be designed so they best meet the needs of the local veteran community which can be maintained and sustained for many years to come.”

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker made the $5 million commitment ahead of last year’s federal election, and the majority of this figure is expected to go towards capital works, whether that is constructing a new building or expanding/refurbishing an existing one.

She said the Bellarine and Surf Coast communities had been asking for better veterans support services for many years.

“Getting this project to the business case stage reflects the commitment and passion for a regional hub that services our region – a hub that will give veterans an opportunity to connect with each other, meet other families, and receive the support they deserve.”

Corio federal member Richard Marles said the Albanese Government was “steadfast in its commitment to delivering services that will support veterans and their families”.

“I welcome this important step towards seeing those services delivered for the veteran community across greater Geelong who will benefit immensely.”

For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, head to dva.gov.au/vfhubs