ONE of Australia’s largest defence and veteran communities now has access to dedicated support closer to home, with the official opening of the new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Ipswich last week.
The purpose-built facility, operated by RSL Queensland and co-located with Mates4Mates at West Ipswich, will provide tailored support for more than 10,000 veterans and their family members, along with around 5000 serving Australian Defence Force personnel who call the region home.
Located at 260 Brisbane St, the hub is just 12 minutes from RAAF Base Amberley and will offer a range of services including mental and physical health support, wellbeing programs, advocacy, employment and housing advice, and opportunities for social connection.
The Ipswich facility forms part of the Federal Government’s more than $50 million commitment to establish 10 new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across Australia, providing easier access to support for current and former ADF personnel and their families.
The hub has been co-designed with the local veteran community and will operate under a “no wrong door” model, ensuring veterans and their families are connected with the right services when they need them.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said the hubs were designed to remove barriers to accessing help.
“Knowing where to get the right support can be confusing, and Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs mean veterans and families can get that support close to home,” Mr Keogh said.
Special Envoy for Veterans’ Affairs Luke Gosling said the hubs recognised the ongoing needs of those who had served.
“Australians ask a lot of the men and women who serve in uniform, and the Federal Labor Government is committed to walking alongside them and their families once that service ends,” Mr Gosling said.
“Through Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, we’re making sure veterans and their families know where to turn before challenges become crises.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the hub reflected Ipswich’s strong military connection and the importance of supporting those who had served.
“Ipswich has one of the country’s biggest defence and veteran communities, and is home to Australia’s largest operational air force base in RAAF Base Amberley,” he said.
“This purpose-built facility reflects the strong partnership between the Australian Government, RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates and our community, all working together to better support those who have given so much to our country.”
