Veteran Wellbeing Centre to be based in the Hawkesbury

The Morrison Government will invest $5 million to transform a former Australian Army training camp in the Hawkesbury into a welcoming hub for veterans and their families.

Previously used as an Officer Training Unit during the Vietnam War, a Veteran Wellbeing Centre will be established at Scheyville, providing veterans and their families with greater access to wellbeing services, including support for transition, employment, health and social connection, and advocacy.

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the new Hawkesbury site was part of an expanding network of Veteran Wellbeing Centres across Australia.

“Since the establishment of this program in 2019, six centres have been established under the Morrison Government,” Senator Payne said.

“These centres are delivered at the grassroots level to help ensure that veterans and their families are able to receive services from local people who know the local environment and service availability.

“The daughter of a veteran, Sarah Richards has advocated strongly to bring this service into Macquarie because she knows the positive difference this service will make. 

“We have a large, active and proud veteran community here in Western Sydney, and the Morrison Government will continue to work closely with them as we bring the centre online.”

Liberal Candidate for Macquarie, Sarah Richards, said looking after our veterans was one of her key priorities. 

“After the sacrifice veterans have given to the defence and security of our nation, their ongoing care and needs should always be met, well after they leave the service,” Ms Richards said. 

“Growing up in a military family, I am the daughter of a veteran who served in Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor. I have lived my life on multiple RAAF Bases, including right here in Richmond. I have seen what war can do to someone. I have watched my dad suffer PTSD and I have vowed to fight to do all we can to help our veterans. 

“Be it RAAF, Army or Navy, we owe a great debt to our men and women in uniform, which is why I am so pleased to be here today for the announcement of $5 million to build a Veterans Wellbeing Centre right here in the Hawkesbury. The Scheyville precinct is also the perfect location, as it once was the training facility for the Natios (National Servicemen).”

This investment is part of the Morrison Government’s 2022-23 Budget, which delivered new funding for the establishment of a further ten Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Australia, and continues to build on support for veterans, their families and ex-service organisations.

Further information is available at: www.dva.gov.au

/health-and-treatment/work-and-social-life-programs/work-and-social-support/veteran-wellbeing. 

Only the Morrison Government will continue to deliver a better future for the Macquarie community and this announcement is part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.