A re-elected Coalition Government will provide $5 million for a new Veteran Wellbeing Centre on the Mornington Peninsula to better support local veterans, Defence personnel and their families.
Veteran Wellbeing Centres, established in partnership with ex-service organisations, local health services or community organisations, help better connect veterans to the extensive support and advocacy already available, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.
Liberal Candidate for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, said wellbeing centres are a key part of the Coalition Government’s support for the Defence and veteran community in Victoria and around the nation.
Ms McKenzie said a new centre would provide much needed additional support for local veterans and Defence personnel.
“We have many veterans and their families living on the Peninsula, so having a dedicated Veteran Wellbeing Centre here is so important and will be hugely beneficial to our community.”
“As we reflect on another ANZAC Day, we must as a nation and local community support our returned servicepeople. It’s these men and women who sign up to do things many of us would never consider, and the challenges do not stop when their active service ends.” Ms McKenzie said.
“The transition out of military life into civilian life is not easy. This new local centre will make it easier for veterans, their families and current service personnel to access health and wellbeing support, and assist them with finding work.”
“Our Peninsula Veteran Wellbeing Centre will be a community meeting place where veterans can come together to link up with others in a similar position. This is so important to the mental health of those who have served our nation with distinction.”
“I am so proud to make this commitment and look forward to working hard to deliver it for the people of Flinders.”
The centre will be available to all current and former serving Australian Defence Force members, including reservists, and their families.
There will be a process in coming months to decide who will run the centre, the exact location and the preferred operating model.
The establishment of a Veteran Wellbeing Centres continues the Coalition Government’s record funding for our Defence forces and strong support of our veteran communities.
Only the Coalition Government will continue to deliver a better future for the Peninsula.
