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Veterans and their families in Western Australia are a step closer to easier access to services and support with the Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre based at ANZAC House Veteran Central in Perth today receiving the Commonwealth Government’s $5 million commitment to finish the project.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the Perth Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre, which is being led by the Returned and Services League of Australia WA Branch incorporated (RSLWA), will provide a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to access assistance from government, health services, ex-service organisations (ESOs), other veteran services providers and community groups.

“Veterans and their families will be able to access services and programs in a friendly, welcoming environment where their unique experiences are understood and supported, and their military service is respected,” Mr Chester said.

“It is important we all work together to continue to improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families, and to provide individualised services based on local veterans’ needs.

“I commend and congratulate RSL WA for their dedication and commitment to the serving and ex serving community in Western Australia and I look forward to seeing the Wellbeing Centre opened later this year.”

RSLWA State President, Peter Aspinall AM, welcomed the approval of the Morrison Government’s $5 million contribution to ensure the completion of construction of the ground-breaking RSLWA Veteran Central facility in Perth.

Mr Aspinall said the strong ongoing support of the Commonwealth is much appreciated and will allow the project to continue on time and on budget with the opening of the seven-storey building to take place before Christmas.

“This facility will be an innovative one-stop shop for West Australian veterans and their families, enabling the delivery of a wide range of services in collaboration with other ESOs and private and government veteran service providers,” Mr Aspinall said.

“Services include medical and allied health services, mental health support, employment guidance and placement and much more.

“This generous grant from the Federal Government is very timely and paves the way for better services that veterans need and deserve.”

The Government committed $30 million at the election to develop a network of six Veteran Wellbeing Centres across Australia in partnership with ESOs and state and territory governments. The Veteran Wellbeing Centres are part of the Government’s commitment to putting veterans and their families first and complements the more than $4.3 billion a year dedicated to support veteran health.