SHAYNE NEUMANN MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS & DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEMBER FOR BLAIR

LIBBY COKER MP
MEMBER FOR CORANGAMITE

An Albanese Labor Government will invest in defence personnel and veterans in the Surf Coast and Geelong region by providing $5 million in funding for a new Veteran Wellbeing Centre.

A new veteran hub in the region would be a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to access a range of services, including transition, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing assistance, and social connection.

If elected, an incoming Labor Government would conduct a consultation process involving local stakeholders, with the Torquay and Geelong RSL Sub Branches, and RSL Victoria all welcome and expected to provide input.

Comments by Shayne Neumann, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel:

“The centre will be a family-friendly space and provide peer-to-peer support for veterans and their families, bringing together critical services under one roof.

“We want to see a facility run by veterans, for veterans, that’s inclusive and easily accessible for all ex-service men and women in the community.

“There has been an increased need for support services in the region as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and long delays for services from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“This $5 million commitment is about providing practical support on the ground for our defence personnel and veterans, and their families who may be doing it tough.”

Comments by Libby Coker, Federal Member for Corangamite:

“My electorate of Corangamite has one of the highest number of veterans in the state, with around 2,000 veterans and family members, while there are around 3,500 veterans and family members in the Greater Geelong region. We must do better to support them.

“Veterans have given so much, and many are now naturally just searching for peace and calm, so the services they need should be set within a therapeutic environment. 

“A new centre would be a much-needed addition to the region and there are a range of potential sites.

“The Torquay site in my electorate is unique, situated between parklands, the beach and the ocean, and there is a great social environment where veterans can connect into a community. There’s an existing RSL Club in the area, one of Victoria’s most thriving bowling and social clubs, and room for expansion on the site.

“I can see an opportunity to build more service facilities, where veterans could join in on some bowling, go sit on the beach, go for a swim, or just have a beer looking over the ocean. That’s what I would call a therapeutic environment.

“I would be really keen for key stakeholders at the Torquay site to work through the issues and develop a suitable proposal as part of the consultation process.”

Under Labor, the key to the new veteran support centre would be listening to the local community to design a service that meets their needs.