The Liberals and Nationals in Government will provide $2 million for the Port Macquarie Veterans’ and Families’ Hub set to benefit veterans, Defence personnel, and their families. The funds would enable a permanent site to be purchased and refurbished specifically for the needs of the veteran community.
Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs provide a one-stop shop, established in partnership with an ex-service or community organisation, to better help connect veterans to the extensive support and advocacy services that are available but are often difficult to navigate, with Hubs providing a strong focus on health, wellbeing and socialisation.
Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said it was critical that our respected veterans and Defence Force members have the support they need in the wider Port Macquarie region, with the nearest alternative Hub being Taree.
“Australians would not have our way of life if it were not for past and present members of our Defence Force and their families. We must ensure they are supported,” Mr Conaghan said.
“Back in 2022, the Coalition awarded the Mid North Coast Veterans Network $5 million to create a hub and spoke model with multiple locations that would serve the nine thousand plus veterans and their families that live in our region, but Labor stripped the money with the change of Government.
“While some of those funds have been clawed back over the past three years for other areas, Port Macquarie has remained without assurances and a stable facility. It’s time to right that wrong.
“I’ve been working closely with Veterans across the Mid North Coast for the past six years, discussing their real and critical needs and how we as a Government can better support the men and women who have fought for our country.
Geoff Harrison, President of the Veterans’ Wellbeing Network Mid North Coast, highlighted the importance of localised centres and the lack of a permanent site for the Port Macquarie region.
“Veteran and their Family’s Wellbeing is more than simply a buzz word, it’s an outcome that takes considerable time and effort to meaningfully support,” Mr Harrison said.
“Those on the ground know best what the Veteran community needs, and these centres are all about providing local solutions to local veteran issues.
“The current range of services provided to our Veterans and their Families can be difficult to navigate, and those in need should not have to drive hundreds of kilometres to be able to access the help they need and deserve. The fact is, barriers like distance only lead to people falling through the cracks.
“This funding is the next crucial step in providing a permanent easier-to-navigate support system here in Port Macquarie, and I’m excited to see this become a reality for our local community.”
