- $5 million grant to help build emergency
accommodation for at-risk veterans in WA
- Part of RAAFA WA's Andrew Russell Veteran Living
(ARVL) program
- Initiative spearheaded by Professor Kylie
Russell in honour of her late husband who served in the Perth-based Special Air
Service (SAS) Regiment
The Cook Government has
today announced a $5 million Lotterywest grant to support the construction of emergency
accommodation for veterans at risk of homelessness as part of the Royal Australian
Air Force Association Western Australia (RAAFA WA) branch's Andrew Russell
Veteran Living (ARVL) program.
The unit complex to be
built in Cannington is just one component of the ARVL program which also
connects veterans to essential services, including mental health support.
The ARVL program was
established in memory of Sergeant Andrew Russell, who served in the Perth-based
SAS Regiment and, tragically, was the first Australian military death in action
since the Vietnam War.
Professor Kylie Russell
has worked with RAAFA WA to establish the ARVL program in honour of her late
husband Andrew. Today's announcement of $5 million follows the launch of the
ARVL Appeal earlier this year, where the community was asked to dig deep.
The WA ARVL program will
be modelled on the South Australian program of the same name, taking key
learnings from the SA program's first few years of operation.
Planning for the ARVL accommodation site in Cannington is
underway, with a development application expected to be lodged in early 2025.
The State Government has previously provided more than $530,000
through the ANZAC Day Trust to assist with the development of the ARVL program
in WA and measure its effectiveness.
Comments attributed to Veterans Issues Minister Paul Papalia:
"The State Government is
proud to deliver a $5 million grant through Lotterywest to establish ARVL in
Western Australia.
"This project will
support veterans at risk of homelessness by establishing a housing-first
initiative with wraparound supports.
"Tragically Sergeant
Andrew Russell never returned home, but thanks to the tireless work of his wife,
Kylie, and RAAFA, his mates will have access to emergency accommodation and
mental health support if they fall on hard times."
Comments attributed to Professor Kylie Russell:
"In honour of Andrew's service, ARVL will ensure veterans in WA receive
the support they need and deserve.
"Our veterans always put their service first and have been there for our
community when we have needed them most, not only in defence of our country,
but through fires, floods and COVID-19.
"The sobering truth is, veterans often experience dark days, and while
most will find a way through these, when they can't, they need a safe place to
connect with the veteran community and receive the specialist support they
require."
