The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Federal Member for Riverina
Shadow Minister for Water
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Zoe McKenzie MP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary
Shadow Assistant Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations
Federal Member for Flinders
The Coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to deliver a $5 million Veterans’ and Families’ Hub at Rosebud RSL, giving veterans and their families on the Mornington Peninsula better access to support, closer to home.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack MP today joined Federal Member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie MP and Rosebud RSL President Geoff Scholes to reaffirm the Coalition’s commitment and meet with local veterans and their families.
The 2021 Census recorded 5,426 people in Flinders who were currently serving or had previously served in the ADF, including 4,006 former personnel and 1,420 currently serving. That means 4.3% of Flinders residents aged 15 and over reported current or previous ADF service, compared with 2% across Victoria.
The Hub would provide a home for veterans’ services and advocacy organisations, with veterans’ hubs able to provide wellbeing and mental health support, advocacy, employment and housing advice, family support, social connection and referrals to specialist services.
Ms McKenzie said the commitment recognised the Peninsula’s proud military history and its continuing connection to Defence.
“The Mornington Peninsula is Defence country. We are home to HMAS Cerberus, more than 5,400 current and former ADF personnel, and generations of families who understand what service and sacrifice mean,” Ms McKenzie said.
“Our veterans have served Australia. This Hub is about making sure Australia is there to serve them when they need it.
“From HMAS Cerberus to our RSLs, Legacy and veterans’ organisations, service runs deep on the Mornington Peninsula,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Coalition made this commitment because this community needs it. The Coalition hasn’t forgotten it, and we remain determined to deliver it.”
The Coalition first committed $5 million for the Rosebud Veterans’ and Families’ Hub during the 2025 Federal Election campaign.
ENDS.
