This includes the approximately 3,900 veterans and veteran family members who live in Bendigo and the thousands more located across central Victoria.
Today, these veterans and their families are one step closer to being able to access tailored support to build connection and wellbeing closer to home.
Grant Opportunity Guidelines to establish a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bendigo have today been released, clearing the way for organisations to consider bidding to run the project.
When complete, the Bendigo Hub will bring together health, wellbeing, housing, employment, and social connection services specifically aimed at the veteran community.
The project is a $5 million commitment from the Albanese Government made at the last election.
Local organisations are being encouraged to attend information sessions about leading the delivery of the new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bendigo.
The Bendigo Hub will bring together health, wellbeing, housing, employment, and social connection services for around 3,900 local veterans and families of veterans, and thousands more across the Central Victoria region.
Interested organisations can attend information sessions in December 2025, led by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
These sessions will provide a comprehensive overview of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs Program, explain the Grant Opportunity Guidelines, and outline the application process, helping organisations prepare before the EOI process opens on 17 December 2025.
Organisations and members of the local community can register their interest to attend an information session by emailing [email protected].
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh:
“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made it clear that making tailored support available to veterans in their own community is one way we can reduce the unacceptable rate of veteran suicide.
“Hubs operate in partnership with ex-service organisations, community groups, and government agencies, creating a network of care that ensures veterans and families of veterans are connected to the right services quickly and effectively.
“Thousands of veterans and family members across central Victoria will benefit from the Bendigo Hub when it is complete and it is really exciting to see it take shape.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters:
“I’m so pleased to see next steps being taken to open a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bendigo.
“Bendigo is home to a proud Defence and veteran community who are really looking forward to integrated support services in their backyard.
“I encourage the local community to attend these information sessions and get on-board to deliver or be part of the Hub, so we can deliver the best possible outcome for our community.”
