Bendigo Veterans and Families Hub moves a step closer
An integrated and consistent support system for veterans and their families across Central Victoria is a step closer after a Federal Government announcement today at Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch.
RSL Victoria joined Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP, President of Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch Glenn Ludeman, President of Bendigo Legacy Tim Evans, and President of Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Bendigo Branch) Paul Penno OAM, to announce funding for the development of a business case for a proposed Veterans and Families Hub in Bendigo.
Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch, Bendigo Legacy, Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Bendigo Branch) and RSL Victoria have partnered on a proposal to deliver the Hub, which has received Federal Government funding to progress detailed planning and assessment.
The proposal centres on establishing a dedicated Veterans and Families Hub in Bendigo, providing a central point of access for veterans and families from across the region. The Hub would be jointly operated by the four partners and would leverage the expertise of RSL Victoria Regional Service Model, already operating in Wodonga, and recently expanded into Surf Coast and Geelong earlier this month.
The proposed Hub would serve veterans and families across a broad catchment, delivering coordinated access to wellbeing, advocacy, employment, social connection and support services.
Today’s announcement represents a significant milestone in improving access to local, veteran-focused services. The business case development will assess the scope, locations, service offering and long-term sustainability of the proposed facility. The business case funding and assessment marks the first step towards creating a more connected and accessible support network for veterans and their families throughout the Bendigo region.
Subject to the outcomes of the business case and future funding approvals, the Bendigo Veterans and Families Hub would become Australia’s eighteenth Veterans and Families Hub, further strengthening the national network of support available to current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families.
Glenn Ludeman, President Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch
“Bendigo and Central Victoria are home to a large veteran community of different generations. This proposal brought together with our partners Bendigo Legacy, Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Bendigo Branch) and RSL Victoria, aims to improve the support for all veterans and ensure consistency of service no matter where in the region you are.
“As the largest RSL Sub-Branch in regional Victoria, Bendigo District RSL is ready to play a leadership role and work with the Federal Government and partners to ensure the support of veterans is evolving to contemporary needs.”
“We look forward to the business case proceeding and further refining the proposal.”
Tim Evans, President Bendigo Legacy
“Legacy’s mission is to serve the families of deceased and incapacitated veterans, striving to ensure that they face no undue financial or social disadvantage due to their loss.
“Bendigo Legacy is on the frontline of the evolving nature of the veteran community. There is an increasing need for locally delivered services to support both mental health and younger families, including education and wellbeing activities such as sport and creative activities.
“A Hub in Bendigo, servicing Central Victoria, will provide a one-stop-shop to deliver the many services needed by veterans and their families in a convenient and safe location providing support targeted to individual needs.”
Peter Swandale, RSL Victoria State Vice President Advocacy & Veterans Affairs
“The RSL’s core purpose is to support veterans and families, and year on year we are seeing a significant increase in demand for support from our veterans and their families. A Bendigo Veterans and Families Hub would implement something truly life-changing for the local veteran community.
“We would like to thank the Federal Government and the project partners for their support as we launch this first step in this proposal of reaching more veterans in Central Victoria than ever before.”
Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo
“This is the next stage of our Government’s commitment to deliver a new Veterans and Families Hub for Bendigo and Central Victoria.
“This project will make such a difference for local veterans and their families in our region. It will ensure that the services and support that veterans and their families need are co-located at the one site.
“I want to acknowledge the consortium of local organisations and veterans’ groups for their ongoing dedication for this vital project.”
