RSL Queensland announces location for Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Ipswich

The Centre, which will be located at 260 Brisbane Street, West Ipswich, is set to open in mid-2026, providing more than 10,000 veterans and their families living within the Ipswich and surrounding community – plus an additional 5,000 Defence personnel at RAAF Base Amberley – with increased access to tailored support.

RSL Queensland Deputy CEO – Veteran Services Troy Watson said the Centre would make it easier for veterans and their families in the community to access support.

“With the growing population of veterans in the Ipswich community, it is vital that we establish a space where veterans and their families can easily access a variety of health and wellbeing services under one roof,” Mr Watson said.

RSL Queensland Deputy CEO – Veteran Services Troy Watson, Wendy Bourne MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh MP, Shayne Neumann MP, and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding

“This Centre will build on our longstanding support offerings in the Ipswich community and aims to enhance visibility and capacity for veteran services in the region.”

“While it has taken some time to find the right location, it was important to find a suitable premises that could comfortably host the variety of services for veterans and their families – it was vital that we got it right.”

The Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre Ipswich will span 800sqm and be home to RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates services, including compensation and wellbeing support, clinical services, a rehabilitation gym, and it will also host social connection activities. In addition, there will be several meeting rooms and bookable spaces that other service providers can book as required.

“Part of this building has been occupied by Mates4Mates over the last two years, so this location will be a great opportunity for RSL Queensland to further expand our offering and continue our ongoing support for veteran services in the Ipswich region.

While the establishment of this Centre will made possible through the $5.4million grant agreement between RSL Queensland and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – as part of its Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs Network Program, Mr Watson said RSL Queensland was committed to the ongoing development of the Centre.

“This Centre symbolises RSL Queensland’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the Defence community,” Mr Watson said.

“While the Centre will house services provided by RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates, we will continue to refine our offerings to ensure we are providing sustainable and appropriate services for the region beyond the 10-year DVA tenure.”

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.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hon Matt Keogh MP said, “The need for a Hub is huge, with Ipswich home to one of the biggest veteran communities in the country, not to mention the Amberley RAAF base.

“It’s exciting the Albanese Government will soon deliver a facility providing Ipswich veterans, both current and former serving, and their families the support they deserve.

“The Hub means they’ll get the right support, closer to home, when they need it delivered in a way that works with the local community.

“That could mean social connectivity, wellbeing support, physical rehabilitation or a combination of all three, all under one roof.”