Community Steps In to Plug Gap in Veterans’ Funding

Veterans on the Sunshine Coast celebrated a day almost two years in the making today, at the opening of a new Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre.

Established by RSL Queensland and Mates 4 Mates, the new centre is now open to assist local veterans, active service members, and their families.

Federal Member for Fisher and Deputy Chair of Parliament’s defence commitee, Andrew Wallace praised the local RSL and Mates 4 Mates teams for their hard work in establishing the centre which would be life-changing – and potenally, life-saving – for local veterans and their families.

“It’s fantasc to see the culminaon of years of hard work come to fruion with the establishment of this Veterans Wellbeing Centre today,” Mr Wallace said.

“The Coast is home to almost 13,000 veterans, served by a network of hardworking local providers like the RSL, Sunshine Coast Young Veterans, Mates 4 Mates and many more. This Centre at the heart of the Sunshine Coast Region brings together local services to deliver tangible outcomes for veterans and their families.”

“RSL Queensland and Mates 4 Mates have done a remarkable job in geng the centre fit for purpose and I can’t wait to work with them to support the veterans who call Fisher home,” Mr Wallace said.

“2 years ago, Ted O’Brien and I announced up to $5 million to establish a regional Veterans Wellbeing Centre. Labor callously slashed that funding, telling local veterans to drive to Caboolture instead.

“Thankfully, aer sustained pressure, the Albanese Government retained the Coalion’s Veteran Wellbeing Grant Program,” the Fisher MP connued, adding, “Let’s be under no illusion: this successful funding applicaon is a credit to the Sunshine Coast ex-service community, who have fought tooth and nail for their fair share. It’s me for governments of all persuasions to give back to those who’ve given so much.”