RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre opens on the Sunshine Coast

Located on Carnaby Street in Maroochydore, the RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre brings together services and programs delivered by RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates and the RSL Sunshine Coast & Regional District Office to support the nearly 12,500 (12,485, Census 2021) veterans in the region. 

Bringing a variety of complementary services under one roof, the Centre will make it easier for veterans, Defence members, and their families to access a range of health and wellbeing support programs and services – building on the support currently available in the region. 

RSL Queensland Deputy CEO – Veteran Services Troy Watson said the Centre represented the major long-term investment by RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates in the veteran and Defence community on the Sunshine Coast. 

“Queensland has the largest population of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, and it is vital that we extended the support and establish a space where the veteran and Defence community could access support,” Mr Watson said.  

“This Centre symbolises RSL Queensland’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the veteran community and improving collaboration across the ex-service organisation community and veteran sector – while delivering a diverse range of health and wellbeing services.”  

“Co-located with Mates4Mates, and the RSL Sunshine Coast & Regional District Office, has enabled a complimentary suite of meaningful support services to achieve our collective vision to provide care, commemoration and camaraderie to the veteran community throughout their Defence journey.”  

“This Centre aligns with the services we are already providing at our existing Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centres in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, as well as the Northern Territory and Tasmania with Mates4Mates.” 

Mates4Mates South East Queensland Regional Manager Laura Duckworth said the Centre demonstrates their commitment to the Defence and veteran community on the Sunshine Coast. 

“Mates4Mates has been providing outreach services to the Sunshine Coast community for over 5 years; we know there is a need for our services here,” Ms Duckworth said.  

“We are excited to now have a permanent space within the RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre on the Sunshine Coast to provide veterans and their family members access to with more services, more often.” 

RSL Sunshine Coast & Regional District President Grendell Antony said he looked forward to connecting with more local veterans and their families as they attend the Centre.  

"The Centre offers veterans and their families across the region a centralised location where they can access the services and support they need all in one place,” Mr Antony said. 

“Veterans throughout the Sunshine Coast, from Caloundra to Cooroy, will now have greater access to support with all three organisations, allowing us to build on our collective impact across the region.” 

The RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre on the Sunshine Coast was assisted by a $1.8 million grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, awarded at the end of last year.