Dee Why RSL is hosting a new veteran wellbeing centre by RSL LifeCare, which will provide critical services for veterans.
The Northern Beaches Veteran Wellbeing Centre was opened in September, and is an extension of the ‘hub and spoke’ model which is being rolled out by RSL LifeCare across NSW. The organisation’s main focus is seniors living, but also provides a ‘holistic and veteran-centric set of services,’ chief executive officer Janet Muir says. These are aimed at supporting veterans and their families make the transition from active service in the defence force into civilian life amongst local communities.
“RSL LifeCare is always excited to announce another veteran wellbeing centre,” Ms Muir said. “We know the positive impact the facilities have on the mental and physical health and wellbeing of our Australian Defence Force personnel who have given so much to protect our country.”
Support already given to veterans on the beaches included assisting 28 veterans experiencing homelessness, $58,926 in financial assistance and facilitating employment assistance for veterans or their partners.
RSL LifeCare already has three established, purpose-built hubs for veterans in Nowra, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga. It is the partner charity of RSL NSW, and several presidents of local RSLs were present at the launch, including Northern Beaches District Council president Bob Lunnon and Dee Why RSL president Graeme Liddell.
“Together with RSL NSW, we are very happy to have established this partnership with Dee Why RSL, because with a large number of veterans in the area, this is a great step forward to provide the localised assistance that those veterans and their families need,” Ms Muir said.
Graeme Liddell said he was proud to be partnering with RSL LifeCare and RSL NSW for this important initiative. “We know there is a need for these services in the local community, and every year on ANZAC Day, we see the passion of local families for supporting veterans when they come out in the thousands for our Dawn Service at Dee Why Beach,” Mr Liddell said. “This centre reinforces our commitment to support veterans and their families across the Northern Beaches,” Mr Liddell said.
