Welcome to the Hub

Returned & Services League of Australia, Western Australia Branch (RSL WA) is the peak ex service organisation representing and supporting current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families across Western Australia. Through statewide advocacy, wellbeing services, and community engagement, RSL WA assists veterans to access compensation and entitlements, health and wellbeing support, housing and employment pathways, and opportunities for social connection, while also honouring service and sacrifice through remembrance and commemoration.

ANZAC House Veteran Central, provides accessible and coordinated services for veterans and families of veterans across the Perth metropolitan region and at a broader state level. Operating as a welcoming one stop location in the Perth CBD, the hub delivers coordinated welfare support, mental health assistance, employment pathways, housing support, and social connection programs. The Hub contains well-appointed training, conference and dining, facilities which are used to support veteran training, activities, and events.  RSL WA also leads remembrance and commemoration activities across the state, including ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services, and promotes public understanding of Australia’s military history.

What’s available to you  

• Veteran and family intake and service navigation.
• Advocacy and entitlements assistance.
• Wellbeing and psychosocial support.
• Employment, education, and transition support.
• Information and advice services.
• Social connection and peer support through RSL Active and the extensive network of RSL WA Sub-Branches.

How to find us   

Address: Level 4, 28 St Geroge Street, Perth WA 6000

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm

Phone: (08) 9287 3799

Website: RSL Western Australia | ANZAC House

Contac us: http://www.rslwa.org.au/contact-us

The Hub is wheelchair accessible.
 

Welcome to the Hub

RSL LifeCare Limited is an Australian not for profit organisation committed to supporting current Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, veterans, and their families at every stage of life. Its services span four key areas: veteran services, residential aged care, retirement living, and home care. 

Co-funded with DVA, RSL Lifecare has established a Veteran and Family Hub in the Tweed/North Coast region.

The North Coast Veteran and Family Hub offer a welcoming central point of access to coordinated, non clinical services including DVA claims support and advocacy, employment and transition assistance and social connection activities. 

A holistic approach to supporting veterans and families of veterans  

The North Coast Veteran and Family Hub provide a coordinated, whole-of-person approach to support—helping veterans and families of veterans strengthen their financial wellbeing, mental health, and physical wellbeing in one place. 

At the Hub, you can access personalised wellbeing support tailored to individual needs, including practical assistance and guidance to help you navigate life’s challenges. 

Our on-site services bring together a range of supports in one welcoming location, making it easier to access the help you need, when you need it.

What’s available to you:

• Advocacy support is available to help with DVA claims and entitlements, ensuring you understand your options and feel confident in the process. 
• A range of regular activities, events, and community programs, we help you build social connections, reduce isolation, and stay engaged with others who understand your experiences. 
• Wellbeing support including financial assistance and support coordination  

Through RSL Lifecare, we can help connect you to:  

• The RSL Employment Program for employment assistance and resources to help you transition into or progress within the workforce. 
• Referrals for homelessness and housing support through Homes for Heros and subsidised rental assistance through the Rent Choice Veteran Program  
• Open Arms Outreach and mental health supports  

How to find us  

Address: Level 3, 145 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads NSW 2486

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Phone: (02) 6681 9042

Website: North Coast Veteran and Family Hub - RSL LifeCare

Email: northcoastvfh@rsllifecare.org.au 

The North Coast Veteran and Family Hub’s social connection and community programs are advertised through the events and activities page and social media: North Coast Veteran and Family Hub | Tweed Heads South NSW | Facebook

The Hub is wheelchair accessible.
 

Welcome to the Hub 

RSL LifeCare Limited is an Australian not for profit organisation committed to supporting current Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, veterans, and their families at every stage of life. Its services span four key areas: veteran services, residential aged care, retirement living, and home care. 

Co-funded with DVA, the Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub will deliver services from two sites in Richmond and Ingleburn to provide integrated, veteran centric wellbeing support across the southwestern corridor of Sydney.

Richmond - The Richmond Hub will adaptively reuse the former Richmond Courthouse at 288 Windsor Street, Richmond; returning a government utilised building to the community. The site is expected to open in mid-2027. In the meantime, the RSL LifeCare team provide a full suite of services from their interim location in Windsor.

Ingleburn - Bardia Barracks feature renovated huts suitable for private appointments and social activities at the historic Ingleburn Military Heritage Precinct on Campbelltown Road, Ingleburn.

A holistic approach to supporting veterans and families of veterans  

The Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub provide a coordinated, whole-of-person approach to support—helping veterans and families of veterans strengthen their financial wellbeing, mental health, and physical wellbeing in one place. 

At the Hub, you can access personalised wellbeing support tailored to individual needs, including practical assistance and guidance to help you navigate life’s challenges.  

Our on-site services bring together a range of supports in one welcoming location, making it easier to access the help you need, when you need it.

What’s available to you  

• Advocacy support is available to help with DVA claims and entitlements, ensuring you understand your options and feel confident in the process. 
• a range of regular activities, events, and community programs, we help you build social connections, reduce isolation, and stay engaged with others who understand your experiences. 
• Wellbeing support including financial assistance and support coordination  

Through RSL Lifecare, we can help connect you to:  

• The RSL Employment Program for employment assistance and resources to help you transition into or progress within the workforce. 
• Referrals for homelessness and housing support through Homes for Heros and subsidised rental assistance through the Rent Choice Veteran Program  
• Open Arms Outreach and mental health supports  

How to find us  

Windsor

Address: 36 Argyle Street, South Windsor NSW

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Phone: (02) 4570 7530

Website: Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub - RSL LifeCare

Email: hawkesburyvfh@rsllifecare.org.au

The Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub’s social connection and community programs are advertised through the events and activities page and social media: Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub | Facebook

The Hub is wheelchair accessible.

Bardia Barracks

Address: 17 Campbelltown Road, Bardia NSW 2714

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Phone: (02) 8777 2010 

Website: Bardia Barracks Veteran and Family Hub

Email: bardiabarracksvfh@rsllifecare.org.au 

The Bardia Barracks social connection and community programs are advertised through the events and activities page and social media: Bardia Barracks Veteran and Family Hub | Sydney NSW | Facebook

The Hub is wheelchair accessible.
 

Welcome to the Hub

RSL Queensland’s mission is to provide care, commemoration, and camaraderie to enable veterans and their families to live with dignity and respect. RSL Queensland offers practical support, assistance, advice and social connection to veterans, Australian Defence Force members, and their families. As part of this service commitment, RSL Queensland established a network of Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centres that are located across Queensland and the Northern Territory.   The Ipswich Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre is part of this network and enables RSL Queensland to co-locate the clinical and non-clinical services delivered by RSL Queensland alongside other community and health services important to the veteran community.

A holistic approach to supporting veterans and families of veterans

The RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre Ipswich is dedicated to improving the lives of current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families.

The centre provides essential services and community support for veterans and their families through integrated access to a range of services provided by RSL Queensland with clinical services delivered through Mates4Mates, as well as providing connection to wider health and community services. Currently the service offering spans mental and physical health services, vocational services, DVA Claims and social connection. The hub also provides clinically led service navigation support/case management for those with complex wellbeing needs.

Through co located services, strong local partnerships, and a welcoming, on clinical environment, the hub improves service coordination, reduces access barriers, and strengthens wellbeing, connection, and resilience within the Ipswich veteran community.

VFWC Hub on-site services include:

• DVA Claims and Appeals (in person & virtual)
• Emergency Financial, Housing and Homelessness support (in person & virtual)
• Employment services (virtual)
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support services (virtual)
• Social connection Activities (in person)

How to find us

Address: Level 1, 260 Brisbane Street, West Ipswich, Qld, 4305

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Phone: 07 2800 8900

Website: Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre Ipswich | RSL Queensland

Email: ipswich@vfwc.org.au

Accessibility 

The building is located on level 1 and wheelchair accessible. Entry is via automatic doors. 

Parking 

There is parking available at the rear of the Centre as well as off-street parking. 

Public transport 

Local buses stop approximately two to three minutes’ walk away. For the latest information on bus routes and timetables, please visit the Translink website.

You can also view the Ipswich Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre social connection and community programs calendar.

Assistance animals can support veterans in everyday life. They can help with daily tasks, routine, confidence and feeling safe.  

They are specially trained to help a person with injury, illness or disability.   

Pets are different from assistance animals.  

What assistance animals do  

An assistance animal is trained to help a person with disability or other health needs. The help it gives depends on the person’s needs and the animal’s training.  

Support can include:  

• Moving around and doing physical tasks  
• Helping with mental health conditions such as PTSD  
• Feeling safer in public or new places  
• Reducing stress and helping someone feel calm  
• Building routine and confidence in daily life  

Not all assistance animals do the same job. Not every animal is legally recognised as an assistance animal in Australia.  

Mental health support  

Some veterans may be able to get a psychiatric assistance dog. These dogs are trained to help people living with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.  

These dogs can help by:  

• Interrupting distressing thoughts or actions  
• Help their handler feel more grounded in stressful moments  
• Help with sleep and daily routine  
• Build confidence to get out and be part of the community   

There are rules about who can get an assistance animal, how they are assessed, and how the animal is trained. An assistance animal may not be right or available for everyone.  

Things to think about   

Getting an assistance animal is a big decision. Before you apply or commit, think about:  

• Whether an assistance animal is right for you  
• What training, care and responsibility are involved  
• The difference between assistance animals, therapy animals and pets  
• Your rights and responsibilities in public places and housing  

 The support you can get may depend on your situation, where you live, and the programs available to you.  

How to get support  

If you want to learn more about assistance animals or other wellbeing support, you can:  

• Look at trusted wellbeing and support services  
• Talk to your healthcare provider about whether this is right for you and if you may be eligible  
• Contact support services for help with mental health, disability or family wellbeing  

You do not have to figure this out on your own. Help is available.  

Welcome to the Hub

Lives Lived Well (LLW) is a non-government treatment provider with origins in drug and alcohol support, stretching back to a volunteer group in the 1970s.  It has retained its primary focus on providing support for drug and alcohol misuse and addiction and mental health challenges since that time.  It has offices in multiple locations throughout New South Wales and Queensland and South Australia.  

Co-funded with DVA, Lives Lived Well has established the Adelaide Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub located in Elizabeth Vale, close to the RAAF Base Edinburgh. 

The Hub is designed as a welcoming, family‑friendly space, that enables veterans and families of veterans to access integrated and flexible support without referral, including mental health and wellbeing assistance, counselling, advocacy, case management, and help with transition, housing, and employment. Delivered by a skilled team with lived or learned experience of veteran life, the Hub also offers social activities, peer connection opportunities, and group programs that foster belonging, resilience, and long‑term wellbeing within the veteran community

What’s available to you on-site:

• Clinical Case Management
• Open Arms – Peer workers and group therapy sessions
• Veterans Gaming Association/Invictus
• Human Quotient/Veterans SA – Careers and Conversations - groups sessions for military spouses
• Level 3 Advocacy (1-2 days per week)
• Fortnightly sessions hosted by Operation Unity with guest speakers, linkages and art-based therapeutic opportunities to strengthen social connection and wellbeing.
• DVA Veteran Support Officer (one day per week)
• Daily social connection activities and monthly BBQs

We can help connect you to:

• The Fallen Forge provides a neutral outreach environment that supports therapeutic engagement for clients who prefer non-clinic settings.
• Facilitated access to physical and mental health services, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment, education, housing services and financial advice.

How to find us

Address: The Playford Health Hub, Level 3 44-46 John Rice Avenue, Elizbeth Vale SA 5112

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Phone: 0418 173 750

Website:   Adelaide Veterans' and Families' Wellbeing Hub - Lives Lived Well

Email: adelaide.veterans@liveslivedwell.org.au

The Hub is wheelchair accessible.
 

The Northern Adelaide Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub’s social connection and community programs are advertised through the events and activities page: Adelaide Veterans' and Families' Wellbeing Hub - Lives Lived Well

Welcome to the Hub

Lives Lived Well (LLW) is a non-government treatment provider with origins in drug and alcohol support, stretching back to a volunteer group in the 1970s.  It has retained its primary focus on providing support for drug and alcohol misuse and addiction and mental health challenges since that time.  It has offices in multiple locations throughout New South Wales and Queensland and South Australia.  

Co-funded with DVA, Lives Lived Well has established the Caboolture Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub.

The Hub is designed as a welcoming, family‑friendly space, that enables veterans and families of veterans to access integrated and flexible support without referral, including mental health and wellbeing assistance, counselling, advocacy, case management, and help with transition, housing, and employment. Delivered by a skilled team with lived or learned experience of veteran life, the Hub also offers social activities, peer connection opportunities, and group programs that foster belonging, resilience, and long‑term wellbeing within the veteran community

What’s available to you on-site:

• Clinical Case Management services provided by a skilled team 
• Social connection with fellow veterans and families of veterans
• Integrated and flexible health and wellbeing support - available in-person or by phone
• Linkage to drug and alcohol recovery services
• DVA Chaplaincy services
• DVA Veteran Support Officer

We can help connect you to:

• AVIVE Mental Health Hospital 
• Hader Clinic
• Centrelink
• Department of Housing
• Caboolture Court House
• Local Aged Care Homes
• Keith Payne Unit, Greenslopes Hospital
• Caboolture Hospital
• Local Sub-Branches 
• Facilitated access to physical and mental health services, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment, education, housing services and financial advice.

How to find us  

How to find us 

Address: U1/12 King Street, 

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Phone: 07 5600 1386

Website:  Caboolture Veterans' and Families' Wellbeing Hub - Lives Lived Well

Email: VWC@liveslivedwell.org.au

The Hub is wheelchair accessible.
 

What is an advocate? 

An advocate is someone who can help you understand and access compensation and wellbeing support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). 

Advocates are trained to assist with the claims process. Many work through ex-service organisations (ESOs), and some are veterans or family members themselves. They are not DVA staff. 

Advocates working through ESOs complete nationally accredited training in military advocacy and follow service standards when providing support. 

 How an advocate can help 

An advocate can help you at different stages of your claim, including: 

• prepare and lodge a claim 
• understand what information and evidence you may need 
• request a review of a decision 
• support or represent you during reviews or appeals 
• connect you with other services and support 

You can choose the level of support that suits your needs. 

 Do I need an advocate? 

You do not have to use an advocate. 

You can lodge and manage your own claim using MyService or choose to get support. 

 Free and paid advocacy 

There are different types of advocacy support available: 

• Many advocates provide free support through ex-service organisations 
• Some services offer advocacy for a fee 

Free advocates working through ESOs are trained through nationally recognised programs and are authorised to provide advocacy support. 

If you are considering a paid service, you can: 

• understand the fees and how they are charged 
• ask what support is included 
• check the provider’s experience and qualifications 

Paying for advocacy does not change how your claim is assessed or the outcome. 

Finding an advocate 

If you would like support, you can: 

• use the Advocacy Register to find services near you 
• contact an ex-service organisation directly 
• connect through a Veteran and Family Hub or community service 

You can contact more than one service to find what works best for you. 

Choosing what’s right for you 

Everyone’s situation is different. It’s okay to: 

• take time to explore your options 
• ask questions before you decide 
• choose the level of support that suits you 

Community housing can be a more affordable and stable housing option for people who find it hard to rent in the private market. For veterans and families of veterans, it can offer more security during times of change, recovery or financial pressure. 

Community housing providers work with individuals and families to offer longer-term housing that can support wellbeing, independence and connection to the community.

What community housing is

Community housing is owned or managed by non-government, not-for-profit organisations. It is different from renting through a private landlord, and it is also different from public housing run directly by a government housing department.

Community housing providers generally aim to:

• Offer affordable, secure housing
• Help tenants keep stable housing
• Connect tenants with local services and community support

Housing may include houses, units, townhouses or apartments in different locations across Australia.

When it might be an option

Community housing may be worth exploring if:

• You are under financial pressure or finding it hard to afford housing
• Private rentals are limited, too expensive or not right for your needs
• You need more stability than short-term housing can offer
• You are leaving Defence or adjusting to changes in your health or work
• You need housing that is linked with support services

It can provide a more stable base while you work on other goals, such as improving your health, finding work, studying or settling into a new stage of life.

What it can offer

Depending on the provider, community housing may offer:

• Rent that is lower than the market rate or based on your income
• Longer-term rental arrangements
• Support to help tenants keep their housing
• Links to local health, wellbeing and social services
• A sense of community and belonging

What is available can vary by provider, program and location. Eligibility rules, waiting times and support services are not the same everywhere.

Who may be eligible

Eligibility depends on your circumstances, your income and the rules in your state or territory. In general, community housing may be available to:

• People on low to moderate incomes
• Individuals or families having trouble finding or keeping affordable housing
• People with health, disability or wellbeing needs
• Older people
• People going through major life changes

Some providers or programs may give priority to people with urgent housing needs or specific support needs. In some places, there may also be veteran-specific housing pathways or services.

How to apply

You can apply through your state or territory housing system, or directly through a community housing provider if that option is available where you live.

You may be asked to:

• Share information about your housing needs and situation
• Provide proof of your income and identity
• Have your housing needs assessed

Waiting times can vary widely depending on demand, your location, your circumstances and the type of housing available.

How to find providers and services

Community housing is managed differently across Australia. To find out what is available in your area, you can:

• Contact your state or territory housing authority
• Search online for "community housing" and your location
• Speak with local housing services or community organisations

You can also ask a support service, advocate or case worker to help you understand your housing options.

What to do next

If community housing sounds like it may be right for you, start by checking the housing information for your state or territory. If you need help urgently, contact a crisis or homelessness service straight away.

• Check the housing application information for your state or territory
• Gather documents such as proof of income and identity
• Contact a provider or housing service if you need help understanding the process
• Seek urgent support straight away if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness

Useful resources

These services can help you learn more about community housing, check your options and find support.

• Australian Community Housing (ACH) provides information about community housing and links to state and territory housing services. It is a national peak body and does not manage applications or waiting lists.
• National Regulatory System for Community Housing (NRSCH) provides tenant information and a register of registered community housing providers in participating jurisdictions.
• Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides information and support for veterans and families, including some housing and homelessness support pathways.
• Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support for veterans and families, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Veteran Housing Australia provides veteran-focused housing information and support, including housing pathways for some veterans and families.
• RSL Australia can help connect veterans and families with support, including homelessness assistance and local services.

Moving to a new community can feel exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. This can be especially true when it happens alongside other changes, such as transitioning from Defence service, starting new work, meeting family needs or managing changes in health.

This checklist is designed to help veterans and families of veterans settle into a new community at their own pace. You do not need to do everything at once. Use what feels helpful and leave the rest.

Getting to know your new area

• Learn about your local area and services
• Find nearby health services, pharmacies and emergency contacts
• Find local shops, transport options and community facilities
• Update your address and contact details where needed

Health and wellbeing

• Find a local GP or health professional
• Find mental health, counselling or wellbeing support if you need it
• Find community health services and support groups
• Make time to rest and adjust during the transition

Children and family

• Enrol children in childcare, school or activities as needed
• Learn about local parenting, family or youth services
• Look for playgrounds, libraries or family-friendly spaces
• Talk with children about the move and how they’re feeling

Work, study and daily life

• Look for local employment, training or study opportunities
• Learn about transport, commuting and daily routines
• Set up essential utilities and services
• Find places where you can enjoy your interests or hobbies

Building connection

• Look for local community groups, clubs or events
• Connect with neighbours, schools or community organisations
• Look for opportunities to volunteer or get involved
• Take small steps to build social connections over time

Support for veterans and families

• Find veteran and family support services in your area
• Learn about community-based services that may support your wellbeing
• Ask for help if you’re not sure where to start

Give yourself time

• Expect it to take time to feel settled — this is normal
• Acknowledge feelings of uncertainty, loss or stress
• Celebrate small milestones as you build familiarity and routine
• Ask for support if things feel hard

Getting support

Settling into a new community takes time. If you need extra support, help is available to connect you with local services, community connections and wellbeing support that suit your needs.

Where to start

If you’re not sure where to begin, start with one or two supports that feel most relevant to you right now. The options below can help you find local services, practical help and veteran and family support.

• Talk to your GP or local health service if you need help with your physical or mental health.
• Contact Open Arms for free mental health and wellbeing support for veterans and families of veterans, including counselling and peer support.
• Contact the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency to learn about support that may be available for health, wellbeing, transition, rehabilitation, employment, housing or financial needs.
• Check your local council, library or neighbourhood centre for community information, groups, activities and local services.
• Ask your child’s school, childcare service or local family service about supports for children, young people and parents.
• If money is tight, look into financial counselling, emergency relief or community support services in your area.
• If you need urgent support, it may help to contact a crisis support service.

Urgent support

If things feel too hard or unsafe right now, you do not have to manage this on your own. It may help to contact a crisis support service, your local health service or emergency services if you need immediate help.

Printable checklists

These printable checklists are designed to support different parts of settling into a new community. You can use them in the way that works best for you and focus on the steps that feel most helpful right now.

Practical settling-in checklist

Use this checklist to keep track of practical steps that may help you settle into a new community. You can work through it at your own pace and focus on what feels most relevant to you right now.

You do not need to do everything at once. Small steps can make a difference, and support is available if you need it.

Family settling-in checklist

Use this checklist to keep track of practical steps that may help children, young people and caregivers settle into a new community. You can work through it at your own pace and focus on what feels most relevant to your family right now.

Every family adjusts differently. It is okay to take things one step at a time and reach out for support when you need it.

Wellbeing check-in checklist

Use this checklist as a gentle way to check in with your wellbeing during times of change. You can come back to it at your own pace and focus on what feels most relevant to you right now.

There is no right way to adjust, and some days may feel easier than others. If you need support, reaching out can be a helpful next step.

This resource was informed by Australian trauma-informed practice principles and publicly available information about veteran, family, health, wellbeing and community support services.