The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring that families and carers of Victorian veterans have the support they need during the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane today launched Victorian Veteran Family Services (VVFS) – a new program run by Melbourne Legacy which will offer individualised support to the families and carers of veterans during this challenging process.
Backed by a $500,000 investment, the Labor Government matched dollar for dollar the contribution of Melbourne Legacy, an organisation which has supported the families of those who have served for almost a century.
The VVFS will provide extended eligibility and referral pathways for families and loved ones of veterans, complementing existing support programs already available to the veteran community.
Two new Veteran Liaison Officers, who are veterans themselves, will deliver the service.
The Liaison Officers will proactively interact with families and carers who may need extra wellbeing support and connect them with established networks of ex-service and community support organisations.
Families and carers of veterans can also reach out for extra wellbeing support through a new phone number, 1800 VET FAM, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is investigating the deaths by suicide of current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and the systemic issues which contributed to these deaths.
The next hearing block will be held in Townsville from 20 June 2022.
Details of other support services available for veterans and their families throughout the Royal Commission can be found at .
Quote attributable to Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane
“We want the Victorian veteran community to know we have their back. This service will provide new, specialised support to ensure that no one gets left behind.”
“We’re ensuring all our veterans and their families have access to the supports they need during what has been and will continue to be a difficult process for many in the community.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Legacy CEO Jo Moloney
“We acknowledge that while the Royal Commission is a great first step for our community, this can be an extremely stressful process. We are pleased to be working alongside the Victorian Government to increase our referral pathways and eligibility during this time.”