New service opens for veterans

A new services and support centre for Central Coast-based veterans and their families opened its doors in Wyong on September 15.

The RSL LifeCare Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub will bring together organisations providing wellbeing services, support and opportunities to the region’s veteran community.

In keeping with the one-stop Veteran and Family Hub model, the Wyong hub will offer a range of support services including: financial assistance, employment assistance, educational opportunities, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims and advocacy, and mental health support.

The centre at 31 Hely St will host support groups, workshops and social events, offering a safe space for veterans and their families to come together, share experiences and build connections.

The hub is funded by a $1.5M grant from DVA’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants One-Off Program.

RSL LifeCare worked 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.

Minister for Veterans and Member for Wyong David Harris said he was thrilled the new Veteran and Family Hub had 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,” Harris said.

“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 the hub would provide essential wrap-around services.

“We are proud to open a welcoming space for veterans and their families to find support and connection, Muir said.

“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 sub-branches were a critical component of the hub-and-spoke model and would 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.