Veterans and their families across the Sunshine Coast Region are set to benefit from a brand-new Veterans Wellbeing Centre, under a re-elected Liberal National Government.
This investment of up to $5 million comes as part of a $70 million expansion of the existing Veteran Wellbeing Centre network, with fourteen new centres to join the six already operating nation-wide.
The Centre will provide veterans and their families with greater access to wellbeing services and support in their local community. It will act as a shopfront to provide simple and seamless access to relevant services, including support for transition, employment, health and social connection, and advocacy.
Federal Member for Fisher and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Andrew Wallace, welcomed the announcement as another example of the Liberal National Government investing in veteran wellbeing and mental health in Fisher and on the Sunshine Coast.
“This is fantastic news for the Sunshine Coast’s serving and ex-service personnel, as well as their families. I have advocated for a service like this for many years, alongside local community groups and mental health service providers.”
“I have worked hard to cement the Sunshine Coast as a leader in mental healthcare and recovery, with a focus on veterans and first responders. This investment, and last week’s announcement of $8.3 million for the National PTSD Centre at USC Thompson Institute, are proof positive that the Liberal National Government is delivering for our local veteran community.”
Mr Peter Kennedy, President of Sunshine Coast Young Veterans said that the Centre will make a huge difference to the veteran community, particularly for the rapidly growing number of younger veterans and their families who call the Sunshine Coast home.
“I’ve been advocating for this for two-and-a-half years, alongside Andrew and a number of local veteran groups. I’ve always had faith in the Federal Government, that they would see the need here on the Coast and deliver.
“A centre like this means that our community will have a one-stop shop for care, wellbeing and advocacy services. It really is a gamechanger.”
The announcement is welcome news for one of Australia’s largest veteran populations both in Fisher and on the Sunshine Coast.
Find out how the Liberal National Government is building a stronger defence force in the 2022-23 Budget at www.budget.gov.au
