Nowra and Wodonga Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs open for business
This week has seen the opening of the two latest Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs in their permanent locations in Nowra, New South Wales, and Wodonga, Victoria, further expanding the network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs around Australia.
Officially opened on 5 December by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh alongside RSL NSW and RSL LifeCare, the organisation leading the Hub’s operations, the Nowra Veterans’ and Families’ Hub has been providing services to the local South Coast veteran community in their interim premises since May 2021. The new building, located at 124 Wallace Street in Nowra, is the first Australian Government-funded hub to be located in New South Wales and the fourth to be opened overall. Facilities include meeting rooms, consultation rooms, a large hall and outdoor area which will allow for many essential services to be provided from the one place.
In Wodonga, the Tim Fischer AC Veterans and Families Hub, named after former Deputy Prime Minister and Vietnam veteran, the late Tim Fischer AC, was officially opened on 6 December, also by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh alongside RSL Victoria, the organisation leading the Hub’s operations in Wodonga. The Hub will deliver essential services, including compensation advocacy and wellbeing support services to the region. The newly refurbished building is located at 149 High Street, Wodonga and is the first Australian Government funded Hub in Victoria.
The Government recently announced through the October Budget 2022-23 that the network of hubs will be expanded with a $46.7 million investment for eight new hubs to be established across the country, whilst continuing the current expansion into Southeast Queensland and Tasmania.
Current and former serving ADF members, reservists and families can access support from any of the hubs around Australia. Support provided may include transition advice, employment, advocacy, physical and mental health, and social connection with the local community.
If you would like to know more about the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au/vfhubs.
Image 1: Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh meets with Keith Payne VC in Nowra
Images 2: Minister at the ribbon cutting in Wodonga