Local Veterans Support: What Veterans and Their Families Can Access in Every State

Veterans and Families Hubs: Nationwide Support Network

Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs offer access to services like mental health support, employment assistance, housing advice and social connection. Open to all veterans, current serving ADF members, Reservists and their families, these hubs provide a welcoming space and a reliable gateway to coordinated care.

More than just buildings, hubs are designed to connect people to the right services—linking DVA programs, Open Arms counselling, health providers, and community support.

Operational hubs

• WA: Perth (Joondalup)
• QLD: Townsville, Caboolture
• SA: Adelaide
• VIC: Wodonga
• NSW: Nowra
• NT: Darwin
• TAS: Burnie

Planned hubs (operational by mid-2026)

• QLD: Ipswich
• NSW: Queanbeyan, Tweed/North Coast, Hunter Region, Hawkesbury Region
• WA: Southwest Perth
• SA: Northern Adelaide
• VIC: Geelong/Surf Coast (with spoke sites in Torquay and Queenscliff)

Tasmania is also developing a “hub and spoke” model led by RSL Tasmania, with main hubs in Hobart and Launceston and spoke sites in RSL sub-branches across the state.

Accessing Support by State or Territory

Every state and territory in Australia offers unique support pathways for veterans, families and current or former ADF members. From direct counselling through Open Arms to local advocacy via RSL and partner organisations, veterans can find trusted help wherever they live.

New South Wales (NSW)

• Open Arms has offices in Sydney, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and Lismore, offering free mental health care.
• DVA support is available through GP referrals and online services.
• Local community programs offer help with family support, youth mentoring and navigating claims.

Victoria (VIC)

• Melbourne DVA office provides in-person claims support.
• Open Arms runs centres in Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong and Morwell.
• Veterans in regional VIC can access DVA-linked rehab and counselling through GP referrals.

Queensland (QLD)

• Transition programs in Brisbane and Townsville offer career coaching, job matching and licensing help.
• Hubs and local services support emergency housing, grants and budget advice.
• Open Arms provides counselling through its regional offices and telehealth.

Western Australia (WA)

• DVA-trained staff support care in GP clinics and hospitals.
• Services include rehab coordination, specialist referrals and mental health support.
• Open Arms operates in Perth and Bunbury with remote counselling options.

South Australia (SA)

• Open Arms in Keswick offers trauma recovery, counselling and outreach.
• A DVA office in Adelaide supports in-person claims and referrals.
• Rural veterans can access care via MyService or their GP.

Tasmania (TAS)

• Open Arms services are available in Hobart, Launceston and regional areas.
• Veterans with Gold or White Cards can access DVA-approved allied health care with GP referrals.
• Community support is available through RSL Tasmania, Legacy and Primary Health Tasmania.

Northern Territory (NT)

• Darwin-based programs provide advocacy and community support.
• Open Arms offers counselling in person and via telehealth.
• Partner services offer psychiatry, addiction support and suicide prevention.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Access to national DVA programs like PI, NLHC and veteran payments is centralised in Canberra.
• Open Arms delivers family counselling, PTSD care and crisis services.
• Local clinics offer wellness programs and DVA-linked legal and financial support.

How to Get the Right Help, Wherever You Are

Most states and territories offer local veterans support through channels like Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, Open Arms offices, GP referrals or community-based programs. No matter where you’re located, there are services available to assist with DVA claims, mental health care, income support and family wellbeing.

The real challenge is knowing how to navigate these options confidently. Many veterans feel overwhelmed by mixed advice, long wait times or unclear referral steps. Getting the right guidance early on can make all the difference. With the correct paperwork, solid evidence and a clear understanding of the process, your claim is more likely to stay on track and avoid avoidable delays.

If you're unsure what benefits you’re entitled to or where to begin, speak to a trusted DVA claims specialist who understands the MRCA system. Expert support can simplify the process and help connect you with the compensation, treatment and community services that match your needs. Contact Veterans First Consulting today and take the next step toward securing your entitlements.