LOCAL LIFE
Veterans’ and Families’ Hub
Artist impressions.
accessible location for the Hawkesbury.
“ It’ s always encouraging to see underutilised public buildings being given a new lease on life, and I’ m sure local businesses will benefit from the increased activity the hub will bring to the town centre.” RSL LifeCare CEO, Janet Muir, said:“ With this new hub, RSL LifeCare will directly support more than 20,000 local veterans and their loved ones with vital services— from DVA claims and advocacy to financial assistance, employment support, wellbeing programs, and transitional accommodation.
“ I’ m grateful to the NSW Government and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for helping bring this important vision to life. This remarkable courthouse, a symbol of justice for over a century, will now embark on a new chapter— as a centre of support, connection, and care for our veteran community.”
RSL NSW President, Mick Bainbridge, added:
“ The expanding network of Veteran and Family Hubs across NSW demonstrates what can be achieved when government and ex-service organisations work together to improve the health and wellbeing of current and former ADF members and their families.
“ The revitalised Richmond Courthouse will play a vital role in providing timely, tailored support services to the Hawkesbury’ s veteran community.” For more information, visit: https:// www. veterans. nsw. gov. au / support / richmond-court-houserevitalisation /
Re-appointment as Special Envoy for the Arts
with Susan Templman MP
I am deeply honoured to be reappointed as Special Envoy for the Arts by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Over the past three years, it has been my privilege to meet with artists and arts workers across Australia, to advocate for their interests, to celebrate their accomplishments and to better understand the challenges that they face.
I look forward to continuing to support Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke as he continues to implement our national cultural policy, Revive, which has already had a profound impact on the vitality of the arts sector. We know that there is much more work to do, and I couldn’ t be more excited to be a part of it. I will work hard every day to ensure that the voice of our arts community is heard and that our government is responsive to its needs. I will continue to fight for the people of Macquarie – a community that is renowned for its creative spirit and puts arts and culture at the heart of social life.
I’ m proud to be part of a government that respects the contribution that our artists make, supports their ambitions and understands the value that creativity adds to our everyday lives.
Susan Templeman MP with the Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for the Arts.
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 181 // JUNE 2025 5