The ANZAC tradition runs strongly through Australia’s culture and we are grateful to all who fought to defend what we have today.
But simply remembering our veterans on ANZAC Day is not enough.
- Thousands of returned servicemen and women are homeless – around 6,000 across Australia.
- Veteran suicide rates are higher than the general public and on average around 70 veterans take their owns lives each year.
“We must act now. We cannot wait while more veterans become homeless, become hopeless and succumb to despair,” says Janna Voloshin, CEO, Vasey RSL Care.
While all sides of government discuss the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), as time passes, more veterans will give up hope and take their own lives.
“It is likely that the HAFF will take years to be legislated and for homes to become available to veterans,” says Voloshin. “Just $30 million has been earmarked for veterans over five years, or $6 million per annum.”
Vasey RSL Care has a solution that could be up and running this year, with Federal Government support.
Voloshin: “Vasey RSL Care is seeking a total of $12.7 million (spread over three years) from Federal Government to partner with us make The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program a reality. This has the potential to not only change lives, but to save lives.”
Vasey RSL Care’s estimates indicate that cost savings to government will outweigh the funding sought over its first three years during which time a sustainable funding model will be attained.
“My message to our Government is: ‘In the spirit of ANZAC, act now’. We are seeking $12.7 million in the May budget, so veterans’ lives that are hanging in the balance can be saved.”
Video (8 mins): hear veterans talk about the impact of homelessness on them (High definition video available.)
Key Facts:
“In the spirit of ANZAC, act now” is the message from Vasey RSL Care CEO, Janna Voloshin.
“We are seeking $12.7 million in the May budget, so veterans’ lives that are hanging in the balance can be saved.”
