HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 181 JUNE 2025 | Page 6

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Richmond Courthouse set to become new

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Richmond Court House circa 1870s artist unknown. Press conference announcing the initiative.

The NSW Government, in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs and RSL LifeCare, has announced the repurposing of Richmond Courthouse into a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub to support veterans and their families in the Hawkesbury region.

Work is set to begin later this year to restore and revitalise the historic courthouse, transforming it into a purpose-designed facility that will serve more than 1,500 veterans and their families living in the Hawkesbury, as well as service personnel from RAAF Base Richmond.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice has provided the courthouse for this initiative, with the Australian Government funding its refurbishment and future operation as a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub.

Heritage elements of the iconic 1877 courthouse will be preserved during the extensive renovation. The refurbishment will include a new extension to accommodate a kitchen, communal areas, and a welcoming entrance to enhance accessibility and comfort. The RSL LifeCare Veterans’ and Families’ Hub model is a wellestablished, one-stop shop offering a broad range of free support services. These hubs connect the veteran community to essential NSW Government services, including housing, education, employment, health, and social support.

Conveniently located near Richmond Mall, the new hub will provide a welcoming space for veterans and their families to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.

This project forms part of a $ 5 million grant from the Albanese Labor Government, supporting the expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs Network.

The Richmond facility will join five existing RSL LifeCare hubs across NSW— in Wyong, Dee Why, Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga, and Nowra— with two additional hubs planned for Maitland and Tweed Heads.

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, said:

“ I’ m very pleased to see progress on delivering the promised one-stop shop for veterans, Defence personnel and their families in Richmond, a central and

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4 ISSUE 181 // JUNE 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT