A new partnership joining two leading veteran organisations will deliver significant benefit to Queenslanders who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
RSL Queensland has today announced its partnership with Bravery Trust, a national charity that provides veteran-specific financial aid and financial counselling services across Australia.
The partnership will enable Bravery Trust’s expertise in financial counselling to be delivered to those in need through the RSL Queensland services network.
Bravery Trust Chair Garth Callender said the partnership would capitalise on Bravery Trust’s capability in the financial sector to provide the best possible support to veterans who have sacrificed so much in service of our nation.
“Our team has an in-depth understanding of the ADF and the unique challenges faced by veterans. We recognise that financial circumstances can be complex, especially for those who have limited earning capacity due to illness or injury or are facing financial hardship,” Mr Callender said.
“Maintaining financial stability when relying on limited income or a pension can be stretching, particularly when faced with unexpected circumstances and expenses. Our financial counsellors work closely alongside veterans and their families to provide timely support and guidance.
“Our services span from sorting through and establishing strategies in relation to debt, as well as advocating on behalf of veterans to a variety of creditors including landlords, banks, financial agencies and essential service companies.”
RSL Queensland Deputy CEO Veteran Services Troy Watson said RSL Queensland was proud to be partnering with Bravery Trust in order to support more veterans and their families across Queensland in setting themselves up for financial success.
“This partnership allows us to work longer-term with veterans and their families to identify the best pathway towards financial independence, with a strong emphasis on supporting those who are on the cusp or in the midst of profound hardship,” Mr Watson said.
“Our primary goal is to empower those who are facing a range difficult crossroads – offering strategic financial counsel that not only provides practical solutions – but also gives peace of mind during a time that can often be overwhelming for families.
“Through this partnership, we are able to extend on the impact of our existing services aimed at supporting those in times of critical need; the partnership will, ensure that veterans and their families are not only given immediate aid, but also provided with the education and financial literacy tools to move towards financial independence in the long term.”
ABOUT BRAVERY TRUST
Bravery Trust is a national charity, established in 2012 to support contemporary veterans in the midst of deployments across the Middle East.
The Trust provides urgent financial aid to veterans injured during service with a vision to ensure no one suffers financially as a result of their service. 70% of those supported by Bravery Trust are aged 50 years or younger.
Bravery Trust also provides a veteran specific Financial Counselling Service founded on an in-depth understanding of Defence Force support services. Financial counselling is a free, independent service available to all current and ex-serving members of the ADF.
Bravery Trust is led by a volunteer Board of Directors, including volunteer Chair Garth Callender, and relies on corporate and community donations to continue providing tailored support to those who serve. The Trust is an ACNC registered charity with DGR status, meaning all donations over $2 are tax deductible.
For more information visit www.braverytrust.org.au.
ABOUT RSL QUEENSLAND
RSL Queensland has stood shoulder to shoulder with Queensland’s Defence family since 1916.
It is the largest ex-service organisation in Queensland, providing practical support, assistance, advice and camaraderie to current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families across the state. RSL Queensland comprises more than 230 Sub Branches across 10 Districts.
The organisation is run by veterans for veterans and its 35,000 members span all ages, genders, ethnicities, and service backgrounds. RSL Queensland is a registered charity and receives no government funding. It generates 95 per cent of its revenue from the RSL Art Union.
For more information, visit www.rslqld.org.
