Another important step towards Bendigo Veteran Hub
Friday, 10 July 2026 The Hon Matt Keogh MP Minister for Veterans' Affairs Minister for Defence Personnel Lisa Chesters MP Member for Bendigo Bendigo’s veteran community is a step closer to getting their own Veterans’ and Families’ Hub to support their wellbeing and provide social connection close to home. The Albanese Government has announced Bendigo District RSL Sub-branch (BDRSL) has been selected through a competitive grant process to develop a business case for the Hub.
We are providing Bendigo District RSL with $50,000 to help it develop the business case, leading a consortium comprised of the Returned & Services League (Victorian Branch), the Legacy Club of Bendigo and the Bendigo Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia. BDRSL will engage stakeholders to ensure the Hub responds to the specific needs of the local veteran community.
Bendigo has a proud military history, with thousands of veterans and their families living in the area. Today’s announcement is another significant move toward fulfilling the Albanese Government’s $5 million funding commitment at the last election to establish a Veterans’ and Families Hub in Bendigo. Since 2022, the Albanese Government has committed more than $50 million to expanding the national network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs.
Quotes attributable to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs: “Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs are an important part of our ongoing work to implement recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. “When complete, the Hub will be a one-stop shop for the Bendigo’s veteran community to access a wide range of wellbeing supports and social connection, close to home.
“I look forward to seeing the business case for this important project come forward as we to move toward delivery on our $5 million commitment to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub for local veterans.” Quotes attributable to Lisa Chesters, Federal Member for Bendigo: “This is the next stage of our Government’s commitment to deliver a new Veterans' and Families' Hub for Bendigo and Central Victoria.
“This project will make such a difference for local veterans and their families in our region. It will ensure that the services and support that veterans and their families need are co-located at the one site. “I want to acknowledge the consortium of local organisations and veterans’ groups for their ongoing dedication for this vital project." Media contacts Tom Iggulden (Minister Keogh): 0448 081 191 [email protected] Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 Open Arms website Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072 Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 Defence Health Portal Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608