OFFICIAL
RICHARD MARLES MP
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER, 2026
WORKS UNDERWAY FOR NEW GEELONG VETERANS' AND FAMILIES' HUB
The Albanese Government is delivering for Australian veterans, with work underway on the new Surf Coast/Geelong Veterans’ and Families' Hub, providing critical services and support closer to home for the region’s 6,600 veterans and their families.
Working closely with the newly-opened Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, the Hub will offer everything from mental and physical health services to claims and compensation advocacy, education, employment and housing advice.
Designed in consultation with the local veteran community, the Hub will provide a welcoming, accessible space where veterans and families can seek practical assistance, build connections and access ongoing support.
RSL Victoria will establish the Hub, which will be based on site at the Geelong RSL, complemented by satellite sites across the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula to extend its reach across the region.
The Surf Coast/Geelong Veterans’ and Families Hub forms part of the Albanese Government’s growing network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across Australia, bringing support closer to the communities where veterans and families live.
The Surf Coast/Geelong Hub is expected to open in mid-2027.
Quotes attributable to Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister:
“Geelong and the surrounding region have a proud history of military service, and our Government is committed to ensuring those who serve, and the families who support them, can access the care and assistance they deserve.
“This new Hub will deliver immeasurable benefits for the many serving personnel, veterans and their families who call this region home.
“The Albanese Government is proud to be delivering this program, providing tailored, community‑focused programs in a dedicated space and support the wellbeing of our veterans here in Geelong and right across the country.”
Quotes attributable to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs:
“We know that wellbeing support is more effective when services are properly joined up and when veterans and their families can access it close to where they live.
“The Albanese Government is investing more than $5 million together with RSL Victoria to build a Veterans’ and Families Hub for the Surf Coast and Geelong so veterans and their families have a local central place to access supports and co-ordinated connection to other services, backed by the work of the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency.
“It’s great to see the Hub taking shape so local veterans and their families can get the right support at the right time.”
Quotes attributable to Libby Coker, Member for Corangamite:
“This is a really important milestone for local veterans and families of veterans, and it’s exciting to see the Hub taking shape after extensive outreach and consultation with our local veteran community from Torquay, Portarlington, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.
“Local feedback has helped shape the Hub and the services it will offer, from help with DVA claims and compensation to finding a job or a home, and opportunities to connect with like-minded locals.
“Importantly, this Hub has been designed with the local veteran community because we want veterans and their families to know there is a welcoming place close to home where they can find the right support, feel heard and stay connected.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485