Southwest Perth’s 8,000-strong veteran community can now get tailored support, closer to home with the opening of the Goldsworthy Veterans’ and Families’ Centre in Rockingham.
Located nearby HMAS Stirling, the Goldsworthy Centre will connect local veterans to a range of specialised services that meet their individual needs.
The centre is funded by a more than $5 million grant to RSL Western Australia from the Albanese Labor Government.
The Centre will offer access to mental health and wellbeing services, claims advocacy, employment and housing advice, physical health supports and the opportunity for social connection, working alongside the recently-established Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency.
Operated by RSL Western Australia, the Goldsworthy Veterans’ and Families’ Centre has been co-designed with veterans and families to reflect the needs of the local community.
The Centre is named after Lieutenant Commander Leon Verdi Goldsworthy GC DSC GM, Australia’s most decorated naval officer of the Second World War.
The support available at the Goldsworthy Centre will be expanded through the Perth metropolitan area, with the opening of a “spoke” site at the Australian Special Air Service Association Community Support Centre in Swanbourne.
The ASASA Community Support Centre will offer the whole veteran community another convenient touchpoint to access services in metropolitan Perth, including referral pathways for veterans and their families, transition support services, claims advocacy and a social worker.
The Goldsworthy Centre opening is the latest milestone for the Albanese Government’s expansion of the national network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, making it easier for veterans and families of veterans to access support closer to where they live.
Quotes attributable to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs:
“Rockingham is home to Australia’s biggest naval base and one of the country’s biggest veteran communities, so this is a really significant day for them.
“The Goldsworthy Centre has been co-designed with local veterans so it delivers the care and support that they and their families need most, working hand in glove with the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency.
“For some that will be practical support like free claims advocacy or help with housing and employment, for others it will be the social connections through organised activities that nurture togetherness.
“Thanks to more than $50 million of funding from the Albanese Government, our national network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs continues to grow, having a positive impact on veteran wellbeing right around the country.”
Quotes attributable to Madeleine King, Member for Brand:
“I am proud to be a part of the Albanese Labor Government which has delivered on our more than $5 million commitment to the veteran community across the suburbs of Rockingham and Kwinana for the Goldsworthy Veterans’ and Families’ Centre.
“Whether you’re serving at HMAS Stirling or have made a home for you and your family in southern suburbs of Perth after service, this will make accessing the services you need so much easier.
“Wellbeing support is most effective when it’s delivered close to home in a caring, welcoming environment and that is exactly what the Goldsworthy Centre offers.
“This new centre will provide the supports and connective services that our veterans deserve alongside their families who have supported them throughout their defence career.”
