“The Hunter’s 22,000 veteran families can now look forward to a new era of holistic support that’s closer to home and easier to access.”
That’s how Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Keogh summed up the advent of the Hunter Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, which officially opened its doors in Maitland this week.
Located at 48 Ken Tubman Drive, the facility is ideally situated for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel based at the Singleton Military Area, Bullecourt Barracks and RAAF Base Williamtown.
It’ll offer targeted support to veterans, with two service navigation and community engagement staff and a dedicated Claims Adviser to provide claims and advocacy assistance, as well as include a welcoming space for people, with a dedicated children’s play area and outdoor space.
“Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs make a real difference to the wellbeing of current and former serving veterans, which is why we are expanding the network,” Mr Keogh said.
“The Hunter facility’s not just a one-stop shop for practical support services for things like health, housing and career transition, but a home base for community, connection and family fun.”
Open Arms will provide peer help while Invictus Australia has partnered with RSL LifeCare to deliver a range of activities.
Importantly, the hub is expected to create more opportunities for connection, including coffee catch-ups, yoga sessions and BBQs alongside other activations to be introduced over the coming months.
RSL LifeCare has joined forces with RSL NSW to bolster the services available to veterans and their families in the wider Hunter community, from Port Stephens to Singleton and inland to Muswellbrook, as part of a regional “hub and spoke” network.
“We have one of the largest veteran communities in NSW,” Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said.
“So, the new Hunter Veterans’ and Families’ Hub will offer a dedicated space where veterans and their families can connect, access support services and feel part of a community that understands their experiences.
“This purpose-built facility reflects a strong partnership between the Australian Government, RSL NSW, RSL LifeCare and our community, all working together to assist those who have served our nation.”
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