Historic Richmond Court House to be revitalised for new Veterans and Families Hub
The NSW Government is partnering with the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs and RSL LifeCare to announce the repurpose of Richmond Court House to develop a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub that will support veterans and their families in the Hawkesbury.
Works will begin later this year to restore and revitalise the courthouse into a custom-designed facility to support the more than 1,500 veterans and their families who live in the Hawkesbury as well as service men and women at RAAF Base Richmond.
The NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice has provided the court house and the Australian Government will fund its refurbishment and ongoing use as a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub.
Heritage aspects of the historic courthouse will be maintained in the extensive refurbishment that will include the addition of an extension to house the kitchen and communal areas of the facility and a welcoming new entrance.
The RSL LifeCare Veteran and Family Hub model is a proven one-stop shop offering a wide range of free support services for veterans and their families. The hubs also connect the veteran community to NSW Government services including housing, education, employment, health, and other social services and supports.
Located near Richmond Mall, the new hub will be easily accessible and provide a space where veterans and their families can come together, share experiences, and build lasting connections.
The hub will be delivered as part of a $5 million grant from the Albanese Labor Government through the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs Network expansion.
The Hawkesbury facility will join the five existing RSL LifeCare hubs in operation around NSW in Wyong, Dee Why, Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga and Nowra and the other two planned for Maitland and Tweed Heads.
For more information on the Richmond Veterans and Families Hub visit: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/support/richmond-court-house-revitalisation/
Artist impressions of the courthouse repurposed as a Veterans and Family Hub and a historical image available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gMkAhnPNEQ4W52fSUGGYjxVxZDCSEkxE
Minister for Veteran Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said:
“Our Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network ensures easy access to services and supports that Australia’s veterans and families deserve.
“There is a significant spread of veterans reaching from Richmond in the Hawkesbury region, south to Ingleburn and in order to best support them we’re developing a ‘hub and spoke’ network spanning that area to make sure services are easy to access and close to home for veterans across Sydney’s west.
“I thank the NSW Government for their generous contribution to this important initiative that will improve the supports we’re able to provide to the local veteran community.”
Federal member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said:
“I am very pleased to see progress on delivering the promised one stop shop for veterans and Defence personnel and their families in Richmond, a central location for the Hawkesbury.
“I am always pleased to see under-utilised buildings being brought back into use, and I know local businesses will enjoy the additional activity that the Hub brings to the town centre.”
RSL LifeCare CEO, Janet Muir said:
“Through this new hub, RSL LifeCare will be able to directly reach 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 thank the NSW Government and the Department of Veterans Affairs for helping bring this important vision to life. This remarkable courthouse, designed in 1877, holds deep historical significance for the community. It has stood as a symbol of justice for over a century – and now, it begins a new chapter as a place of support, connection and care for our veteran community.”
RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge said:
"The growing network of Veteran and Family Hubs across NSW is evidence of what can be achieved when government and ex-service organisations work collaboratively to drive improved health and wellbeing outcomes for current and former serving ADF members and their families.
“The revitalised Richmond Court House will serve as a vital hub for veterans and their families in the Hawkesbury, ensuring they have timely access to the tailored support services they need and deserve."
David Ingram, Veteran and President of the Far Western Metro District Council said:
“As a veteran myself I know how good it will be for the local veteran community to have a dedicated space where they can access the support they need, connect with others who understand their journey, and feel part of a community that genuinely values their service.
“The transformation of the historic Richmond Court House into a Veteran and Family Hub is a powerful reminder of how we can honour the past while supporting the future.”
Media contacts:
The Hon Matt Keogh MP – Stephanie Mathews 0407 034 485
Susan Templeman MP – Mark Andrews 0417 024 890
The Hon David Harris MP – Matt Porter 0407 239 578