RSL Queensland receives $5.445 million to deliver wellbeing centre for veterans and their families in Ipswich

The investment from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will allow for the expansion of services and support in the region and comes after RSL Queensland was awarded a grant to develop a business case for a centre in Ipswich last year.

RSL Queensland will deliver the Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in partnership with Mates4Mates, GO2Health, and RSL Moreton District.

RSL Queensland Deputy CEO Veteran Services Troy Watson said the investment in establishing a new Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre was crucial to supporting the more than 14,000 current and ex-serving Defence members and their families in the Ipswich area.

“We recognise that Ipswich is home to a large population of current and ex-serving members and their families with RAAF Base Amberley nearby, and we’re looking forward to delivering a centre that will allow us to expand our services and support for the veteran and Defence community in the region,” Mr Watson said.

“By giving a physical presence to where veterans and their families can go for locally tailor support, we are able to deliver practical help, assistance and social connection to more people, in their own community,” he said.

The Ipswich Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre will complement RSL Queensland’s growing network of centres, which includes self-funded centres in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, and on the Sunshine Coast. 

Hon Matt Keogh MP Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans Affairs, and RSL Queensland Deputy CEO Troy Watson.

“We’re committed to working collaboratively to create spaces where veterans and families can access a broad range of mental health and physical rehabilitation services and social connection support,” Ms Whitehead said.

RSL Moreton District President Paul Rogers said the Centre would be delivered to support the local veteran community with services the Ipswich veteran population needed most.

“This isn’t just about expanding our services – it is also about offering a centralised location that brings support for local veterans together in one place,” Mr Rogers said.

“While the Centre will be located in Ipswich, we will ensure its impact and services extend throughout the broader region west of Brisbane to provide veterans and their families in the area with greater access to support.”

RSL Queensland’s Veteran and Family Wellbeing Centre in Ipswich is set to provide health and wellbeing support including advocacy, emergency financial support, social connection activities and skills-based recovery programs.