NEW VETERAN WELLBEING CENTRE FOR THE WIDE BAY-BURNETT REGION

The Liberal and Nationals Government will provide $5 million for a new Veteran Wellbeing Centre in Queensland’s Wide Bay-Burnett region, to better support local veterans, Defence personnel and their families.

Veteran Wellbeing Centres, established in partnership with ex-service organisations, local health services or community organisations, help better connect veterans to the extensive support and advocacy already available, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said wellbeing centres are a key part of the Liberal-National Government’s support for the Defence and veteran community in Queensland, and around the nation.

“We have already delivered six Veteran Wellbeing Centres around the country, including The Oasis in Townsville, and I’ve seen firsthand the positive effects they have for those who use them.

“We are continuing to grow our network of wellbeing centres nationally, with new facilities on the way around the country.

“They are part of our national approach to delivering integrated support services to veterans and their families by working with local organisations and the local defence and veteran community.”

“Our service men and women, and their families, have given so much for our nation and it is our duty to provide them with all the support we can.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the new veteran wellbeing centre would be a welcome additional support for local veterans in the region.

“We have more than 8,000 veterans and their families living here and I am pleased our government is delivering better access to important assistance for them,” Mr Pitt said.

“The key with these centres is to work with local organisations who know exactly what local veterans need, and provide a tailored local approach.

“We’ve listened to our defence and veteran community about the need for additional supports and will continue working closing to with them to deliver this new facility.”

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said a Veteran Wellbeing Centre is very much needed in the Wide Bay Burnett Region. 

“I’ve been fighting for additional supports for our defence and veteran community, and I am pleased our government is delivering for them,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I have been working alongside RSLs in Wide Bay, including the Gympie RSL, which has a very well developed Veteran Wellbeing Centre proposal and I look forward to assisting them further in the application process.

“The new centre will make it easier for veterans, their families and current service personnel to access health and wellbeing support, help with finding work and assistance as they transition out of military life.

“It will also be a place where veterans can come together to link up with others in a similar position, which is so important.”

The centre will be available to all current and former serving Australian Defence Force members, including reservists, and their families.

There will be a process in the coming months to decide who will run the centre, the exact location and the preferred operating model.

Only the Morrison Joyce Government will continue to deliver a better future for Queensland and this is part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.