Liberals promise veterans wellness centre

Ocean Grove RSL secretary Richard Lewis, Stephanie Asher, president Brad Clarke and pensions officer Bob Scott. (Supplied)

The federal government will invest up to $5 million to establish a new wellness centre dedicated to veterans in the Geelong-Surf Coast region if the Liberal Party is re-elected at next month’s election.

Corangamite candidate Stephanie Asher made the commitment on Friday while meeting with members of the Ocean Grove RSL ahead of Anzac Day.

The new wellness centre will provide a one-stop-shop to better connect local veterans and their families to support and advocacy networks with a strong focus on health, wellbeing and social connectivity.

The centre will provide a place where communities can partner with and support veterans and their families at the local level, while drawing on national integrated veterans support services.

Ms Asher said the exact location of the centre would be determined in consultation with local RSLs, other veterans groups, local government, residents and stakeholders to provide the greatest benefit to the community.

She said the important investment was a key part of her Local Plan for Corangamite and would build stronger, better connected communities across the region.

“Building stronger communities is a key part of my Local Plan for Corangamite,” she said.

“Under this important commitment, local veterans and their families will have access to a much greater level of support they deserve closer to home.

“Our local veterans have sacrificed so much for our community and deserve the support that this new centre will provide.”