Portfolio — 11 July 2026

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Mr Keogh, announced a $50,000 grant to the Bendigo District RSL Sub-branch to develop a business case for a Veterans' and Families' Hub in Bendigo [TA-260710-dva-159573592c46]. The grant is the first step toward a committed $5 million for the Bendigo Hub and sits within a national network of Veterans' and Families' Hubs that has received more than $50 million in government funding since 2022 [TA-260710-dva-159573592c46].

Mr Keogh framed the Hubs explicitly as a delivery mechanism for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations, positioning regional expansion as central to the portfolio's implementation agenda [TA-260710-dva-159573592c46]. When complete, the Bendigo Hub is intended to serve as a single access point for the local veteran community across wellbeing supports and social connection services.

The Minister for Defence Personnel, Ms Chesters, joined the announcement, emphasising the co-location of services for veterans and their families as a tangible regional benefit. The portfolio's operating model — targeted grants channelled through local organisations and RSL sub-branches — reflects a consistent approach to building out the national Hub network without direct Commonwealth service delivery.