On Wednesday 25 May, the Victorian Government announced it had launched Victorian Veteran Family Services (VVFS), addressing a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The program is run by Melbourne Legacy and offers individualised support to the families and carers of veterans during this challenging process.
The Victorian Government contributed $500,000 to match the investment of Melbourne Legacy into the service.
Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane said 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,” he said.
“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.”
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 Offices will proactively interact with veterans, their families and carers who may need extra wellbeing support and connect them with established networks of ex-service and community support organisations.
“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,” said Melbourne Legacy CEO Jo Maloney.
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 next hearing block for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide 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 defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/support.
