QUESTIONS continue to be raised about the $5.445 million in funding allocated last year for a Veterans’ Wellbeing Hub in Ipswich, with many in the local veteran community growing frustrated over the project’s lack of progress.
Despite the announcement of the funding, the hub has yet to secure a permanent location.
Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch Secretary Deb Wadwell stressed the significance of the hub for the region, highlighting Ipswich’s strong connection to the armed forces, including the country’s largest Royal Australian Air Force base.
“The Veterans’ Wellbeing Hub is vitally important to Ipswich, given the strong ties we have with the armed forces,” Ms Wadwell said.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann rejected claims that he had not advocated for local veterans.
He said he had been actively involved in working with RSL Queensland to bring the project to fruition.
“In March last year, I was joined by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh to announce the funding awarded to RSL Queensland to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Ipswich,” Mr Neumann said.
“RSL Queensland is in negotiations for a suitable permanent site for the hub.
“In the meantime, services are being delivered through Mates4Mates in West Ipswich.”
RSL Queensland Deputy CEO of Veteran Services Troy Watson acknowledged the delays but reassured the community that progress was being made.
“Since we embarked on this project 18 months ago, a lot has been achieved, but not without challenges,” Mr Watson said.
“The search continues for a suitable premises, and while we identified a potential location in early 2024, it did not meet our due diligence requirements.
“RSL Queensland is committed to providing sustainable services for the region beyond the 10-year DVA tenure.”
Mr Watson confirmed that RSL Queensland remained committed to opening a fully operational centre by mid-2026, with ongoing services available to veterans in the interim.
The Ipswich Veterans’ Wellbeing Hub is designed to provide health and wellbeing support, including advocacy, emergency financial aid, social connection activities, and skills-based recovery programs.
Despite these assurances, some local veterans are sceptical about the project.
One veteran, speaking to Local Ipswich News, dismissed the plans as “lip service”.
“The commitment was for a purpose-built veteran and families’ centre, but what we’re seeing now looks
more like a facility catering to healthcare providers cashing in on Gold Card entitlements,” the veteran said.
“Veterans need spaces designed for them, not multi-use centres where families take priority.
“The Federal Government’s veteran policy feels more like a family welfare initiative.”
Ipswich and the surrounding regions are home to more than 10,000 veterans and their families, with an additional 5000 Defence personnel stationed at RAAF Base Amberley.
