Veterans Advice and Social Centre

Veterans of Australia is a registered Ex Services Organisation and Registered Charity

Veterans of Australia (VOA) is proudly based in Hervey Bay and offers social activities and advice to Veterans and their families across the Fraser Coast and beyond, We also provide compensation and wellbeing advocacy service by qualified advocates.

What We Do

The Veterans Compensation and Wellbeing Advocates support current and former military personnel and their families in accessing compensation, rehabilitation, and wellbeing services.

The advocate provides case management, and guidance through the claims processes, ensuring veterans receive the entitlements and support they deserve.

Our advocates offer professional advocacy services at no cost, including:

· Assistance with compensation claims

· Guidance through Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) processes

· Support with appeals and reviews

· Advocacy for health and wellbeing services

· Ongoing, personalised support tailored to each veteran’s needs

Why Choose VOA

· Free service — no cost to veterans or families

· Experienced qualified advocates who understand military service and its impacts

· Local support in Hervey Bay with a strong community focus

· Confidential and veteran-focused approach

· Holistic support addressing both compensation and wellbeing

Who We Support

We assist:

· Current and former Australian and New Zealand Defense Force members

· Veterans at any stage of the claims process

· Families seeking guidance or support

VOA proudly supports veterans in:

· Hervey Bay

· Fraser Coast region

· Remote and regional Queensland (via phone/online support)

Contact us

If you or someone you know needs assistance, VOA is here to help. Phone our office 0741283759 (open 9-12.30) Mon to Fri or email us admin@voa@herveybay.com to make an appt to speak with one of our advocates.

We look forward to helping you.

If this is an emergency please call 000

or

Open Arms (24hr support) 1800011046

Useful links

Qualified Advocates What does that mean?

All advocates who offer free advocacy services must be qualified with ATDPAdvocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) offers nationally accredited training in military advocacy and support, through our partnering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Major Training Services P/L (RTO90748). It ensures that advocates meet national standards before they give advice to the veteran community. More information https://web.atdp.org.au/index

If you interested in qualifying as an advocate please contact your nearest ESO.

What is an ESO?

Ex-service organisations (ESOs) provide free support to current and former Australian Defence Force members. Their services may include:

· lobbying to promote improved conditions and support for the serving and veteran communities

· free support, particularly if you're seeking support and services from Defence or DVA

o wellbeing support for current and former members and their families

o help with seeking compensation or financial assistance from DVA

· home and hospital visits, and aged care support

· employment and vocational advice, and

· social activities to provide mutual support and networking opportunities.

Many ESOs have advocacy services using wellbeing and compensation advocates with qualifications in the Course in Military Advocacy. These advocacy services can provide you with information about community and government services available to veterans and families. This may include assisting with rehabilitation and compensation advice pertaining to service- related injuries.

If you are seeking an ESO advocacy service even just to ask questions, please use the ATDP Advocacy Register link below to find all your local advocates providing free advocacy services. https://www.advocateregister.org.au/

Open Arms –

Veterans & Family Counselling was founded by Australia's Vietnam veterans. It is Australia’s leading provider of mental health assessment and counselling for Australian veterans Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (Open Arms) is a leading provider of military-aware and trauma-informed mental health and counselling services to Australia’s military community. As a service of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), we provide mental health counselling, relationship counselling, peer support services and group programs for people with Australian Defence Force (ADF) service (current and former serving members) and their immediate families. Anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF and their immediate family are eligible for Open Arms services.

This service is available 24/7 Further information https://www.openarms.gov.au/get-support

Partners of Veterans Association

P.V.A. Qld is a not-for-profit member-based organisation with support groups in most regions of Queensland and is part of a nationwide support network for partners of past and present members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their Allies. Further information pvaqld@yahoo.com.au