FUNDING for a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Ipswich has arrived as part of $46.7m in Budget funding for 10 new hubs across the country.
The funds will more than double the size of the existing network and will provide critical services to veterans and families in areas with significant defence and veteran communities.
The new veteran hub in in Ipswich will be a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to access assistance from government, health services, exservice organisations and community groups.
Integrated services and support at the facility will include medical and allied health services, mental health support, advocacy with Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims, housing assistance, employment advice, and social connection.
Federal Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the community needed to remember that we owed a debt of gratitude to our veterans.
“So, I’m proud to have secured funding in the recent Budget for the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Ipswich to support our local ex-service community, delivering on my election commitment.
“This will be a familyfriendly space, and provide support to younger veterans and their families, bringing together critical services under one roof. It will also support current service men and women and their families and help them as they transition from the Australian Defence Force to civilian life.
“Our region has the largest veteran population in South East Queensland and is home to RAAF Base Amberley, the biggest air force base in Australia.
“There are more than 10,000 veterans and dependents in the Ipswich region, and around 5,000 uniformed and civilian personnel based at Amberley with close to 10,000 defence and family members in the surrounding area.
“The Albanese Government will finally establish a much-needed veteran hub in Ipswich and we will work with the local defence and veteran community to determine an appropriate lead organisation, location and service model for the centre.
“The Government is committed to providing practical support to defence personnel, veterans and families to ensure a better future for the veteran community.
“This is about responding to the interim findings and recommendations from the Royal Commission into defence and veteran suicide, which Labor called for in Opposition, and delivering on our election commitments.”
