Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast has received a $5.445 million grant to establish a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub with satellite services across the region.
The federal Labor government on Wednesday awarded the grant to RSL Victoria and more than 6600 veterans in the region will be able to access the support they need and deserve, closer to home.
The hub will be centrally located in Geelong and will have major satellite sites at the Torquay and Queenscliff RSLs, servicing both the Bellarine and the Surf Coast. Surf Coast Shire facilities will also play an important role in hosting social and recreational programs for local veterans.
These facilities will be easily accessible to veterans and will offer much-needed outreach services.
“The establishment of the Surf Coast and Geelong hub is significant for our veterans’ community in the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong,” Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said.
“It will offer support to over 6600 current and former ADF personnel and their families right across my electorate.
“From Geelong to Torquay, and throughout the Bellarine, this new hub will provide widespread outreach to ensure veterans and their families receive the targeted support they deserve.”
“The Albanese government is committed to supporting our veterans and their families,” Member for Corio Richard Marles said.
“This is an important next step for the Geelong veteran community. These services and their delivery will make a vital contribution in Geelong and across the region.”
“The Surf Coast and Geelong hub will build on RSL Victoria’s experience leading the existing Geelong RSL hub and the Tim Fischer AC Veterans’ and Families’ hub in Wodonga,” Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite said.
“This hub will ensure easier access to more services in a more veteran and family friendly environment in the Surf Coast and Geelong Region.
“Each veteran community around the country is different so it’s essential we’re developing hubs that provide targeted support, not taking a cookie-cutter approach. This hub and spoke style hub will support veterans easily access the supports they need.”
