Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh and McEwen MP Rob Mitchell co-hosted a forum with the Doreen RSL for the local veteran community.
Mr Mitchell said he felt privileged to be able to hold an event for the veterans, as a way to honor and respect their service.
“Owing to the significance of the sacrifices that they have made, we must ensure that our care for servicemen and women extends beyond just their time in uniform”, he said.
Mr Mitchell said the forum fostered meaningful conversations and bridged the gap between policy-makers and those directly impacted.
Mr Keogh acknowledged the significant veteran community in McEwen.
“McEwen is home to almost 3,000 women and men who do serve, or have served in the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“Since becoming Minister for Veterans’ Affairs I’ve been engaging with veterans and families all over the country to hear what works, and what doesn’t when it comes to supporting Defence personnel, veterans and families.”
Throughout the forum they discussed the challenges and concerns faced by veterans and their families, with the room filled with prominent figures within the veteran community as well as representatives from 10 RSL sub-branches, including Doreen, Woodend, Romsey-Lancefield and Whittlesea.
Gerald Lynch
