Veteran Wellbeing Centre Network Expanding to South East Qld

27 Oct 2021

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee today announced the Veteran Wellbeing Centre network is set to grow, with the opening of expressions of interest for a new centre in South East Queensland.

Minister Gee encouraged ex-service and community organisations in the region to apply, and said a new Veteran Wellbeing Centre would provide a wide range of essential support services for veterans and their families.

“It’s time to expand the Veteran Wellbeing Centre network into South East Queensland where a large number of our veterans live. They will benefit greatly from having a broad range of resources all housed under the one roof,” Minister Gee said. 

“Over 100,000 of our veterans and their families are registered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Queensland, and over 65 per cent of them call South East Queensland home.

“I encourage all relevant organisations to take a look at the expression of interest on the DVA website and get in touch, because we want to hear how to best deliver support to our veterans and families.”

This announcement comes as part of the Australian Government’s $40.7 million to establish a network of Veteran Wellbeing Centres across Australia.

“The Australian Government is delivering on its budget commitment to invest in Veteran Wellbeing Centres throughout Australia, and are delivered in partnership with ex-service organisations and state and territory governments,” Minister Gee said.

A new centre in South East Queensland will enable our Defence and veteran communities from across the region to access the services and support they deserve.

“From focusing on health and wellbeing to important transition support, the centre will be a welcoming hub for veterans and their families to connect and navigate the services available to them.

“We are also looking at innovative ways to deliver integrated services through established ex-service and other organisations across South East Queensland, to further expand the reach of the Wellbeing Centre network.

“You need look no further than the Oasis Wellbeing Centre in Townsville to see how well the model can work, and how important this investment is.

The Oasis Wellbeing Centre in Townsville is already collaborating with a range of organisations including RSL Queensland, Veterans Community Business Chamber, Townsville RSL sub branch, Defence Families of Australia, the TPI Association, Mates4Mates, Vietnam Veterans Federation and the Vietnam Veterans Association, CQUniversity and TAFE Queensland.”

More information regarding the expression of interest for the Veteran Wellbeing Centre in South East Queensland is available via the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website, or can be requested via email at [email protected].

The expression of interest will be open for the next four weeks.