Construction has commenced on a permanent home for the Darwin Veterans' and Families' Hub to help support the 10,000 veterans and families in the Northern Territory.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh said the Australian Government's $5 million commitment to building the centre will go a long way to support both current and former serving personnel and their families in the top end.
"Today I toured the new location at Stuart Park with Mates4Mates who are partnering with the government to deliver the Hub in Darwin, alongside my mate, Member for Solomon Luke Gosling," Minister Keogh said.
"Mates4Mates has already been successfully delivering services to the local veteran community including transition from military to civilian life, employment services, health and advocacy supports from a temporary centre in Palmerston.
"The new Hub will support a significant expansion of the existing service offering and will include 10 clinical rooms where veterans and families can access the health care and support they need on site.
"Social connection is a critical component of the services provided by the Hub which will also house a gym and a large outdoor area and barbeque facilities for veterans to catch up with mates, new and old.
"The Northern Territory has a large population of current and ex-serving personnel, and the Darwin Veterans' and Families' Hub will allow locals to receive support unique to them, close to home."
Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling said this eagerly anticipated Veterans and Families Hub would be welcomed by the community.
"At the moment veterans are supporting each other in volunteer roles with volunteer organisations," he said.
"People in the NT have wanted a hub like this for a long time.
"It will underpin the volunteer efforts with professional veteran-led care and support, providing a 24/7 place for veterans and their families."
Construction on the Darwin Veterans' and Families' Hub is expected to be complete in early 2023.
The Palmerston site will continue to deliver support services in addition to the new Hub.
The Australian Government has committed $42.9 million to develop a further 10 new Veterans' and Families' Hubs across Australia in areas of significant defence and veteran communities.
