RSL LifeCare recently hosted a town hall meeting in Maitland, both in person and online, bringing together veterans, their families, local RSL sub-branches, ex-service organisations, community leaders, elected officials, local council representatives and members of the broader community.

The event offered a valuable update on the plans for a new hub and provided information on the continued operation of services at the facility on 984B Hunter Street, Newcastle West while a permanent facility is under development.

The new Veteran and Family Hub will offer a holistic and veteran-centric set of services to veterans and their families throughout the Hunter region, covering financial support, DVA claims and advocacy, employment assistance, transitional housing and wellbeing services.

RSL LifeCare is actively collaborating with the local community to secure the ideal location for the permanent hub, with current discussions considering a possible site in Maitland.

Community input is essential, as local veterans will play a key role in shaping the hub’s design and service model to address their specific needs and challenges.

RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW, currently operates five hubs across the Riverina, Shoalhaven, Northern Beaches, Central Coast, and a temporary facility in Newcastle.

Read also: Veterans gain access to free mental health literacy and suicide prevention program

Last year, the Federal Government committed $46.7 million to expand this network, awarding RSL LifeCare funding to develop new hubs in the Hunter, Queanbeyan, the North Coast, Hawkesbury and the Southwest Sydney corridor.

The services are critical, and address risk factors associated with veterans’ suicide, including financial insecurity, housing instability, mental health challenges, and unemployment during the transition from military to civilian life.

RSL LifeCare has already made significant progress in the establishment of the new Hunter Veteran and Family Hub, including:

• Finalising the grant agreement with DVA, enabling funding release;
• Recruiting for a Hub Manager; and
• Consulting with East Maitland War Memorial and Rest Park Land Manager, local RSL sub-Branches and Crown Lands.

Community members are encouraged to share their ideas and feedback on the new hub via email hunterVFH@rsllifecare.org.au.

Additionally, service providers interested in joining the Hunter hub are invited to connect with RSL LifeCare via this email to explore partnership opportunities.

“We are dedicated to establishing a permanent Veteran and Family Hub for over 22,000 veterans and their families who reside across the Hunter region. Our current facility in Newcastle has already demonstrated the positive impact of this model, and this new hub will further strengthen and expand support for the veteran community,” said RSL LifeCare CEO, Janet Muir.

“Social connection and a sense of belonging are essential, and this hub will be a place for veterans, families and the entire Hunter community to come together and support each other.”

“Veterans and their families are the heart and soul of everything of RSL LifeCare, and I deeply appreciate the partnership and guidance of local RSL sub-Branch members,” Muir added.

The Hunter Veteran and Family Hub is slated for completion by mid-2026. Regular updates on milestones and progress will keep the community informed throughout the project.