RSL Victoria has purchased 149 High Street, Wodonga. The site will become the Tim Fischer Veterans and their Families Wellbeing Centre in Wodonga after renovations are completed in 2022.

The location on the main street of Wodonga, with almost 2,000 square metres of land including off street parking and significant renovation potential were critical considerations in selecting the site.

RSL Victoria was selected in December 2020 by the Australian Government as the lead Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) to establish the centre.

RSL Victoria State President Dr Robert Webster OAM said today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the establishment of the Wellbeing Centre for the veteran community of Northeastern Victoria.

Dr Webster said “this site is in just a perfect location to establish the new Wodonga Veterans and their Families Wellbeing Centre. Once some renovations are complete, this will enable veterans and their families to access this new one stop shop. It won’t just be RSL Victoria services that will be available but all manner of government and other ESO services as well.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said securing the permanent home for the new Tim Fischer AC Veteran Wellbeing Centre is a great step forward for the veteran community in Wodonga and surrounding regions.

“The building is in a fantastic location right in the heart of Wodonga and was previously owned by the son of a Second World War veteran who still lives in the region today,” Minister Gee said.

“Tim Fischer AC was conscripted at age 20, served in Vietnam, and wounded during the Battle of Coral-Balmoral. His enduring legacy as an advocate for the veteran community will continue on through the naming of this new Wellbeing Centre.

“The Australian Government is investing $40.7 million in the Veteran Wellbeing Centre network across the country and is now working closely with RSL Victoria to develop a central hub that will provide support services in one location for our veterans and their families. I want to thank RSL Victoria for their work securing this site and helping to develop it into a hub of veteran support.

“I know this site will become a welcome focal point for veterans and their families, providing localised support services through a wide range of providers in the community.”

Construction works is scheduled to begin early next year.