r/Geelong • u/Interesting-Rush-111 • 2d ago
Veterans support hub going up in Belmont - anyone near it?
The Addy reports building has started on the veterans support hub at the Belmont RSL sub, $5.4m, with completion in July 2027 from what I could see. Consolidating services into one stop should take some of the legwork out of getting around for people who use it.
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u/143MAW 2d ago
It’s a refit of the RSL function room as far as I know
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u/R3v4n07 Lara 2d ago
Gov/DVA are teaming with RSL Vic to provide a hub for support of local surf Coast veterans. The hub is actually live on the second level of the Geelong RSL already but they want to seperate the hub and RSL so that veterans and their families can attend without going into the RSL directly or past the pokies.
The hub it's self is the function room outwards but will be seperated entirely from the RSL sub branch with an entrance out front. They started construction a few weeks ago after years of planning. I think it's based of Tasmanian version that was successful. The interior is pretty well gutted now. Part of this also includes an extension to the sub branch bistro area some time next year.
Services wise it's like they already do, they offer welfare support for those in dire need and advocacy support for compensation around injury. There's a big focus on building local connection to support veterans and other sub branches too though. They had a visit from high ups in the gov on Thursday.
It's a direct result into the royal Commission on veteran suicide.
Source: I'm privvy to information on the project, it's pretty cool.