The NSW Nationals in the federal government will provide $5 million for wellness facilities in the NSW Mid-Coast region to benefit veterans, Defence personnel, and their families.
Veteran Wellbeing Centres provide a one-stop shop, established in partnership with an ex-service or community organisation, to better help connect veterans to extensive support and advocacy services already available, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said it was critical that our respected veterans and Defence Force members have the support they need.
“Australians would not have our way of life if it were not for past and present members of our Defence Force and their families. We must ensure they are supported,” Mr Joyce said.
Nationals Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the $5 million in funding would be a welcome boost for veterans in the area.
“We have already delivered six Veteran Wellbeing Centres around the country, with more on the way in South-East Queensland, Tasmania, the Mackay region and the Hawkesbury region and I have seen first-hand the positive effects they have on those who use them,” Mr Gee said.
“It’s 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.
“Those on the ground know best what the community needs, and these centres are all about providing local solutions to local veteran issues.”
Federal Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said he was pleased to see the Mid-Coast region chosen as an area for enhanced veterans’ wellbeing services.
“I’ve been working closely with Veterans across the Mid North Coast for the last three years, discussing their real and critical needs and how we as a Government can better support the men and women who have fought for our country.
“Veteran Wellbeing is more than simply a buzz word, it’s a goal that takes considerable time and effort to meaningfully support,” Mr Conaghan said.
“The current range of services provided to our Vets can be difficult to navigate, and we as a Government very much recognise this.
“The work that our local veteran community and I have been doing together would provide a hub and spoke model to service the whole of the electorate, not just one location. It is vital that this model is adopted to ensure that all our veterans receive the attention and care they deserve.
“The Veterans Wellbeing Centre network is the first crucial step in providing an easier-to-navigate support system, and I’m excited to see these evolve and grow into the future right across our region.”
There will be a process in coming months to determine how funding will be allocated to achieve the best outcome for veterans in the NSW Mid-Coast region.
Only the NSW Nationals in the federal government can continue to deliver for NSW as part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
