A new wellbeing services and support centre for Central Coast-based veterans and their families opened its doors in Wyong yesterday.
The RSL LifeCare Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub will bring together organisations providing important wellbeing services, support and opportunities to the region's veteran community.
In keeping with the proven success of the one-stop-shop Veteran and Family Hub model, the Wyong hub will offer a wide range of freely available support services including: financial assistance, employment assistance, educational opportunities, Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) claims and advocacy and mental health support.
The centre will host support groups, workshops and social events, offering a safe space for veterans and their families to come together, share experiences and build lasting connections.
The hub is funded by a $1.5 million grant from DVA's Veteran Wellbeing Grants 'One-Off Program'.
RSL LifeCare worked closely with Central Coast Council and Central Coast-based RSL sub-Branches to establish the hub.
More than 50 veterans, serving defence force personnel and their families joined dignitaries at an official event to open the hub yesterday.
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"As the Member for Wyong, Minister for the Central Coast and Minister for Veterans, I am thrilled the new Veteran and Family Hub has opened on the Coast.
"The Central Coast is home to more than 7,600 veterans who, along with their families, will benefit from the wide range of support services now available at their local hub.
"It will also serve as a safe place for the veteran community to get-together to access the many services and activities, or simply to catch up."
RSL LifeCare CEO Janet Muir said:
"We are proud to open a welcoming space for veterans and their families to find support and connection.
"The new hub, like our other active hubs across NSW, and in partnership with RSL NSW and local RSL sub-Branches, will provide essential wrap-around services."
RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge said:
"RSL NSW sub-Branches are a critical component of the hub-and-spoke model and will connect veterans and their families on the Central Coast with the services and support offered by a consortium of ex-service organisations operating from the Veteran and Family Hub.
"RSL NSW is committed to supporting the network of Veteran and Family Hubs across NSW because we know they work."
