Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre opens in Ipswich

The RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Ipswich brings together veteran support services and programs for the more than 10,000 veterans living in the region, along with an additional 5,000 personnel based at nearby RAAF Base Amberley. The range of health and wellbeing support will be delivered by RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates and RSL Moreton District all under one roof.  

Located on Brisbane Street in West Ipswich, the Centre spans 800sqm and is purpose-built to offer physical rehabilitation services, health and wellbeing support, DVA advocacy and compensation assistance, as well as social connection activities – designed to meet veterans and their families wherever they are on their Defence journey. 

The official opening of the RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Ipswich welcomed distinguished guests, local Defence members and veterans 

RSL Queensland Deputy CEO – Veteran Services Troy Watson says the Centre represented the ongoing investment by RSL Queensland in the veteran and Defence community in the region. 

“Queensland has the largest population of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, and it was vital that we extended the range and capability of support services available to veterans, Defence members and their families in the local community,” Troy says.

“This Centre will build on our long-standing support offerings in Ipswich and the surrounding area and symbolises RSL Queensland’s commitment to meet the ever-evolving needs of the Defence and veteran community.”

Equipped with a rehabilitation gym, the Centre is purpose-built to offer physical rehabilitation support, on top of many other services, to veterans and their families 

The Ipswich Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre joins RSL Queensland’s growing network of Centres, which includes centres in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns and Darwin. 

The Ipswich Centre has been made possible through the $5.4 million grant agreement between RSL Queensland and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – as part of its Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs Network Program.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP says that knowing where to get the right support can be confusing, and Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs mean veterans and families can get that support close to home. 

“That’s why we’re investing more than $50 million to expand our national network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, putting resources and support into local communities where veterans live,” Minister Keogh says.

Guests were given a tour of the new Centre following the plaque unveiling, getting a first look at the spaces where veterans and their families will access support. 

The Ipswich Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre plays an integral role in RSL Queensland’s mission to help veterans and their families find purpose, connection and support when and where they need it most.