* 7 March 2023 *
Having lodged a funding submission for $12.7 million to Treasury for staffing/operation costs for the V Centre for inclusion in the May budget, we are now calling on veterans and all those associated with the ex-service community to lobby for this funding through your networks.
Vasey RSL Care has invested over $11 million in the future V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program and we are seeking to partner with government to bring this initiative to life.
“We know there are significant numbers of homeless veterans in Australia – around 5,800 according to some sources. And we know veteran suicide rates exceed those of the general public. We can’t stand by and do nothing,” says Janna Voloshin, CEO.
The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program will be able to house up to 19 veterans at a time in four units or wings, each with a small kitchen/dining area.
It will offer a main sitting room and a gym/multi-purpose room for activities, 16 two-room apartments and 3 smaller suites.
“The V Centre has the capacity to change lives – to bring about lasting change for veterans experiencing homelessness and its causes.” says Janna.
Please support our funding bid…
Ways to support the V Centre Funding Bid:
Ex-Service Organisations:
Write a letter/email from the management/leadership of your organisation stating your support for the V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program funding submission. Send it to the Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and copy the Assistant Treasurer (details below) and any others in your network who may be able to assist.
Service Providers and Business Partners:
Write a letter/email of support from your management team indicating your respect for Vasey RSL Care’s track record for management, support for Veterans and strong financial position (refer to annual reports online) and send it to the Assistant Treasurer (details below) and any other relevant contacts.
Individuals:
Write a letter/email expressing your support for veterans in need and the V Centre funding submission and send it to your Federal MP asking for their support for the funding submission. Check online for your MP’s details.
You may like to use the template letter available here.
Contact Details
Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Finance, The Hon Stephen Jones MP, Stephen.Jones.mp@aph.gov.au
Postal Address: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, CANBERRA ACT 2600
Minister for Veterans, The Hon Matt Keogh MP, Matt.Keogh.mp@aph.gov.au
Postal Address: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, CANBERRA ACT 2600
Minister for Defence, The Hon Richard Marles MP, Richard.Marles.mp@aph.gov.au
Postal Address: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, CANBERRA ACT 2600
Assistant Minister for Veterans, The Hon Matthew Thistlethwaite MP, Matt.Thistlethwaite.MP@aph.gov.au
Postal Address: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, CANBERRA ACT 2600
Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, The Hon Julie Collins MP, Julie.Collins.mp@aph.gov.au
Postal Address: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, CANBERRA ACT 2600