04/09/2026
Wonthaggi RSL: Here for Our Local Veterans
Service doesn't end when a veteran leaves the Australian Defence Force.
That is the message behind the work being carried out by the Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch, which continues to provide a local point of connection, wellbeing and welfare support for veterans and their families across Wonthaggi, Bass Coast and surrounding regional communities.
At the heart of this work is a small but dedicated team — Kevin, Dan, Andy, Toni, Melissa and the wider Wonthaggi RSL team — who give their time to support local veterans and ensure they know they have somewhere to turn.
For the team, veteran support is about much more than attending commemorative services or providing social activities. It is about recognising when someone may be struggling, listening to their concerns and helping them find the right support.
Being there when veterans need it
Living in a regional community can bring additional challenges for veterans. Specialist services may be further away, transport can be difficult and social isolation can become a real issue, particularly for those who have lost contact with their former service community.
The Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch provides a local first point of contact.
When a veteran or family member approaches the Sub-Branch, the team can listen, undertake an appropriate wellbeing intake and help identify what support may be required.
From there, veterans can be referred or connected with appropriate services, including DVA, RSL Victoria Veteran & Family Services, Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, health and mental health providers, specialist veteran organisations and other community services.
The Sub-Branch's role is wellbeing intake, initial support and referral. It does not provide specialist financial, legal, clinical or DVA advocacy services.
An important clarification
The Sub-Branch would also like to clarify some previous information about veteran advocacy services in the Bass Coast.
The Bass Coast Veterans Centre closed several years ago and is no longer operating.
The Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch acknowledges and sincerely thanks the people who established and operated the Centre and who provided valuable support to local veterans and their families during its operation.
A previous article also incorrectly stated that financial advocacy services are currently provided through the Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch.
This is not the case, and we apologise for any confusion this may have caused.
The Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch does not provide financial advocacy or specialist DVA advocacy.
With the Bass Coast Veterans Centre now closed, the Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch is the local RSL point of contact for veteran wellbeing, welfare, social connection and referral.
When specialist assistance is required, the team helps veterans identify the appropriate service and make that connection.
Veterans can also contact Veteran Central on 1800 MILVET (1800 645 838) for assistance accessing appropriate DVA and veteran support services.
For counselling and mental health support, Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling can be contacted on 1800 011 046.
The team says its goal is that veterans are not simply handed a phone number and left to navigate the system alone.
“We want veterans to know they can come and talk to us,” the team said. “We can listen, help identify what they need and, where appropriate, help them connect with the right people.”
Connection is part of wellbeing
While referrals are an important part of the Sub-Branch's work, the team believes that wellbeing is also about connection and belonging.
Through RSL Active, social gatherings, community activities, commemorative events and regional veteran events, veterans and their families have opportunities to meet others, build friendships and remain connected to their community.
For someone experiencing isolation, something as simple as having somewhere to go, familiar faces to greet them and people who understand their service background can make a significant difference.
The Sub-Branch may also provide appropriate practical welfare assistance within its available resources, including assistance with matters such as transport, accommodation or food, while helping veterans access longer-term support where needed.
Regional events can be particularly valuable for veterans who may otherwise struggle to participate because of transport, financial or social barriers.
Where appropriate, veterans who have completed wellbeing intake and demonstrated a need for social connection may be supported to attend suitable events in a safe and supportive environment.
These opportunities are about much more than recreation. They are about mateship, confidence, connection and belonging.
A community that remembers its veterans
The Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch believes that every veteran should know they remain a valued part of the community.
Send a message to learn more
