RSL LifeCare unveils designs for new Veteran and Family Hub in Queanbeyan
Media Release by RSL LifeCare Veteran Services
RSL LifeCare has unveiled the designs for its newest Veteran and Family Hub in Queanbeyan, marking a significant milestone in providing support to veterans and their families in the region. Scheduled to open in early 2025, the hub will be located in Queanbeyan and include a ‘mini hub’ in Canberra, a first for RSL LifeCare to expand access to crucial services for veterans and their families in NSW and the ACT.
The unveiling of the designs follows a period of close community consultation, ensuring the facility meets the specific needs of the local veteran community. This initiative, in partnership with RSL NSW, aims to provide wraparound support services to over 26,500 veterans and their families residing in the Queanbeyan and ACT region—a large and rapidly growing veteran community.
The Hub’s development has been made possible with a $5.45 million capital grant from the Federal Government awarded to RSL LifeCare.
“We are thrilled to be opening our first Veteran and Family hub in the ACT in early 2025. This expansion to Queanbeyan and for the first time, outside of NSW in the ACT, allows us to help more veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve,” said RSL LifeCare CEO, Janet Muir.
Ms. Muir added, “We value the support and input from local RSL NSW sub-Branches, and we will continue to work side by side to ensure this hub truly serves the community’s needs.”
RSL LifeCare has conducted close community consultation, engaging with local veterans and family members to gather insights into what services and features they consider important. Health and social support were identified as the two main areas that participants felt are most needed in the Queanbeyan and the ACT regions.
Additional feedback highlighted the need for connection, community, and advice on completing DVA claims, as well as age and disability accessibility features such as transport, outreach services, sensory and quiet spaces, and family-friendly environments.
“Having a space that is accessible and meets the diverse needs of all veterans and their families is crucial,” said Chris Pritzler, a local veteran. “This Hub will not only provide essential services but also serve as a welcoming environment where veterans, their families and the local community can connect and support each other.”
Member for Eden-Monaro and Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP, welcomed the progress on the new Veteran and Family Hub in Queanbeyan.
“The Federal Government’s $46.7 million capital investment in ten Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across Australia, including the new hub in Queanbeyan, is a crucial step in ensuring our veterans and their families can access essential services and connect with others who understand their journey. I’m proud to see this initiative come to fruition, bringing lasting benefits to those who have served our nation,” said Ms. McBain.
RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW, now operates five hubs in the Riverina, Shoalhaven, the Northern Beaches, the Hunter region, and on the Central Coast. Last year, the Federal Government also awarded RSL LifeCare funding to develop new hubs in the Hunter, Tweed/North Coast, Hawkesbury, and the Southwest Sydney corridor, with all projects progressing well.
The designs for the new Veteran and Family Hub can be accessed by following this link.
Regular updates on the development of the new Queanbeyan Veteran and Family Hub can be found on the RSL LifeCare website Veteran and Family Hub page.
