JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON MATT KEOGH MP, MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR

Following a successful grant application, the Australian Government has today announced that RSL Queensland has been awarded a $50,000 grant to develop a business case to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Ipswich.

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network will see the more than 10,000 veterans and their families in the Ipswich Local Government Area access improved specialist services close to home.

RSL Queensland will take these next steps, in partnership with Mates4Mates and GO2 Health, to develop a business case to support the establishment of the Ipswich Veterans’ and Families’ Hub.

This will likely see a “hub and spoke” model established in Ipswich that expands out to the broader region west of Brisbane. This model follows feedback from community consultation that identified the need for services to be available and easily accessible for locals.

The multipurpose Hub is set to feature a range of culturally appropriate, coordinated services to assist with advocacy, case management, financial literacy, medical and allied health services and access to housing supports for veterans’ and families.

The intention is for this Hub, just like the Hubs currently operated by RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates across the country, to not only provide the services and supports the local veteran community needs, but be sustainable into the future.

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs network in the Ipswich region is part of the Government’s $46.7 million commitment to deliver ten new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.

For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit www.dva.gov.au/vfhubs

Quotes attributed to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh:

“With this $50,000 grant, RSL Queensland will be able to undertake further consultation with key local veteran, family and service provider stakeholders, allowing them to identify local needs and opportunities and maximise benefits for veterans and families across the Ipswich region.”

“RSL Queensland currently operate a number of hubs and spokes in conjunction with Mates4Mates around the country. I’m confident they will be able to bring their extensive experience to developing the business case for the new Hub.”

“We don’t want to take a cookie cutter approach with Hubs around the country. The opportunity for enhanced stakeholder consultation enables Hub services to be designed so they best meet the needs of the local veteran community and can be maintained and sustained for many years to come.”

Quotes attributed to Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann:  

“I advocated for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Ipswich because I know our region has one of the largest defence and veteran populations in the country, and is home to RAAF Base Amberley, the biggest air force base in Australia.”

“So it’s great that the Albanese Labor Government is delivering on our commitment to build a much-needed Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in our community to provide practical support on the ground to veterans and families impacted by defence service.”

“After extensive consultation with the local veteran community, I’m excited to see significant progress, with RSL Queensland invited to develop a business case for our new Hub.”

“RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates have a strong track record of supporting veterans and their families, so I’m pleased they will be consulting with local stakeholders to ensure the Ipswich Hub is fit for purpose and meets the needs of our ex-service community.”  

Quotes attributed to RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM:

“We are extremely pleased to have been awarded the opportunity to develop this business case and explore the possibilities for this region further.”

“This grant will enable us to connect with other suitable organisations as we develop a business case to better inform and guide the development of a potential Ipswich Veterans’ and Families Hub.”

“RSL Queensland, along with Mates4Mates, has a unique understanding of the wellbeing and support programs veterans and their families may need when facing life’s challenges.”

“Our commitment to veteran and family wellbeing is clear, and we remain steadfast to providing critical services to the veteran community throughout Queensland by delivering practical support, assistance and social connection to veterans and their families.”