A dedicated veteran student and families’ hub has been officially opened at one of Melbourne’s Australian Catholic University (ACU).
Victorian Minister for Veterans, Natalie Suleyman yesterday toured the new Melbourne Veterans House Hub at the ACU. She said the hub has been designed to support the wellbeing of veterans and build a strong foundation for the future.
“This new Hub at ACU will support student veterans and their families as they take on university studies and explore new careers,” said Minister Suleyman.
“We’re proud to partner with ACU and RSL Victoria, supporting veterans’ education and helping them to successfully transition to civilian life.”
The Victorian Government has invested $48,000 through the Veterans Capital Works Grant Program in 2023-24 to support the hub, matched in funding by ACU with support from RSL Victoria.
The hub offers a dedicated space for veteran students and their families, featuring a lounge, study room, breakout space and office to facilitate improved service delivery and community connection. The facility will support more than 70 veteran students and family members currently studying at ACU, playing a key role in helping them transition from military to university life and achieve long-term career success.
The Government said ACU had a strong history of supporting veterans through its Student Veteran Services team, which focuses on providing support and services to student veterans, and its ACU National Centre for Veterans and Families, which runs research and evaluation projects for the broader veteran community.
ACU also has a Veteran Entry Program which allows veterans to have their military service converted into ATARlike entry rank for enrolling in a degree – eliminating the barrier for veterans to access tertiary education.
“With the support of the Victorian Government and our industry partners, ACU has launched the Melbourne Veterans Hub as a space for student veterans and their families to connect, study and relax, setting them up for success at university,” said Australian Catholic University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Tania Broadley.
The Veterans Capital Works Grant Program 2023-24 awarded 20 grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to support building and facility improvements projects for not-for-profit organisations that deliver services to veterans, their families and communities.
