By Sonia Isaacs
THE Veterans Wellbeing Foundation’s Beerwah hub has secured more than $646,000 in federal funding, giving the volunteer-run organisation greater certainty as demand for its services continues to grow.
The Beerwah hub, which has been operating for about two years, has grown into a major support point for former service personnel and their families, assisting an estimated 2500 veterans during that time.
Veterans Wellbeing Foundation (VWF) Inc will receive $646,835.84 over three years through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program. The program supports ex-service organisations providing free compensation and wellbeing advocacy to veterans and their families.
The latest grant follows a separate $200,000 Veteran Wellbeing Grant awarded to VWF, taking its recent Federal Government funding to more than $846,000.
VWF chief executive Peter Kennedy said the three-year commitment would provide something the organisation had rarely enjoyed – financial certainty.
“It’ll allow me to get some sleep instead of having to panic and worry about how I’m going to pay rent or how I’m going to pay utilities or just the insurance or any of that sort of stuff,” he said.
“We can now focus our work on helping veterans and their families, which is where our focus should be.”
Mr Kennedy estimated the foundation had supported about 2500 veterans over the past two years, increasing from roughly 1200 in the first year to about 1300 in the second.
Support can range from immediate assistance such as fuel cards and grocery vouchers through to coordinated medical, mental health, housing, employment and advocacy services.
Veterans approaching the organisation undergo an initial “triage” to determine whether they require advocacy, wellbeing, housing or addiction support, or a combination of services.
The organisation then remains involved as veterans navigate treatment and support services rather than simply referring them elsewhere.
Mr Kennedy said the Beerwah operation had developed into a one-stop hub, with veterans able to access GPs, allied health, mental health services and social connection within about 100 metres.
Veterans now travel from across the Sunshine Coast and as far as the Gold Coast and Gympie to access its services.
At the heart of the hub is its café, which Mr Kennedy said was deliberately established as an informal and welcoming entry point rather than a fundraising venture.
“The café was never ever here to be a money spinner,” he said.
“It was there to serve its purpose, and it serves its purpose 150 per cent because what it does, it breaks down those barriers.
“That’s all we’ve ever, ever wanted – for people to feel safe, not judged, and ask for help.”
The café has also become an important social connection point, particularly for older veterans participating in a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Heart Health program, with some remaining at the hub for hours after sessions.
Mr Kennedy said VWF’s charity operations were run by volunteers, with café employees the exception, and their wages funded through café revenue.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace welcomed the BEST funding, saying organisations such as VWF played a critical role in helping former Australian Defence Force personnel navigate compensation, entitlements and wellbeing services.
“Our veterans have served our country, and when they need support – they deserve to know there are people in their corner who understand the system and will fight to get them the help they deserve,” Mr Wallace said.
“Peter Kennedy and the VWF team have been doing exactly that, helping veterans and their families navigate claims, entitlements, wellbeing services and what can often be an incredibly complicated system.”
Mr Wallace said the transition from military to civilian life could also leave some veterans struggling with the loss of the strong sense of purpose and camaraderie they experienced while serving.
He said organisations such as VWF helped veterans find their “next mission” while connecting them with practical assistance and a new community.
Mr Kennedy said the funding would allow VWF to strengthen its advocacy services and concentrate on reaching more veterans and families.
“It means we can continue investing in our people, strengthening our advocacy services and helping more veterans access the support and entitlements they have earned.”
Photo: Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP with VWF CEO Peter Kennedy.