iscover
The Australian government has announced that work is underway on a new Surf Coast/Geelong Veterans’ and Families' Hub, providing critical services and support closer to home for the region’s 6,600 veterans and their families.
Working closely with the newly opened Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, the hub will offer everything from mental and physical health services to claims and compensation advocacy, education, employment and housing advice. The Surf Coast/Geelong Hub is expected to open in mid-2027.
“Geelong and the surrounding region have a proud history of military service, and our government is committed to ensuring those who serve, and the families who support them, can access the care and assistance they deserve,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“This new hub will deliver immeasurable benefits for the many serving personnel, veterans and their families who call this region home.
“The Albanese government is proud to be delivering this program, providing tailored, community‑focused programs in a dedicated space and support the wellbeing of our veterans here in Geelong and right across the country.”
Designed in consultation with the local veteran community, the hub will provide a welcoming, accessible space where veterans and families can seek practical assistance, build connections and access ongoing support.
“We know that wellbeing support is more effective when services are properly joined up and when veterans and their families can access it close to where they live,” Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said.
“The Albanese government is investing more than $5 million, together with RSL Victoria, to build a Veterans’ and Families Hub for the Surf Coast and Geelong so veterans and their families have a local central place to access supports and co-ordinated connection to other services, backed by the work of the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency.
“It’s great to see the hub taking shape so local veterans and their families can get the right support at the right time.”
RSL Victoria will establish the hub, which will be based on site at the Geelong RSL, complemented by satellite sites across the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula to extend its reach across the region.
The Surf Coast/Geelong Veterans’ and Families’ Hub forms part of the Albanese government’s growing network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across Australia, bringing support closer to the communities where veterans and families live.
“This is a really important milestone for local veterans and families of veterans, and it’s exciting to see the hub taking shape after extensive outreach and consultation with our local veteran community from Torquay, Portarlington, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove,” said Libby Coker, member for Corangamite.
“Local feedback has helped shape the hub and the services it will offer, from help with DVA claims and compensation to finding a job or a home, and opportunities to connect with like-minded locals.
“Importantly, this hub has been designed with the local veteran community because we want veterans and their families to know there is a welcoming place close to home where they can find the right support, feel heard and stay connected.”
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Defence Connect a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Defence Connect as a preferred news source.