Russell Veteran Living program set to take-off

The Cook Government has announced a $5 million Lotterywest grant to support the construction of emergency accommodation for veterans at risk of homelessness as part of the Royal Australian Air Force Association Western Australia (RAAFA WA) branch’s Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program. The unit complex to be built in Cannington is just one component of the ARVL program which also connects veterans to essential services, including mental health support. The ARVL program was established in memory of Sergeant Andrew Russell, who served in the Perth-based SAS Regiment and, tragically, was the first Australian military death in action since the Vietnam War. Professor Kylie Russell has worked with RAAFA WA to establish the ARVL program in honour of her late husband Andrew. Today’s announcement of $5 million follows the launch of the ARVL Appeal earlier this year, where the community was asked to dig deep. The WA ARVL program will be modelled on the South Australian program of the same name, taking key learnings from the SA program’s first few years of operation. Planning for the ARVL accommodation site in Cannington is underway, with a development application expected to be lodged in early 2025. The State Government has previously provided more than $530,000 through the ANZAC Day Trust to assist with the development of the ARVL program in WA and measure its effectiveness. Veterans Issues Minister Paul Papalia said: “The State Government is proud to deliver a $5 million grant through Lotterywest to establish ARVL in Western Australia. This project will support veterans at risk of homelessness by establishing a housing-first initiative with wraparound supports. Tragically Sergeant Andrew Russell never returned home, but thanks to the tireless work of his wife, Kylie, and RAAFA, his mates will have access to emergency accommodation and mental health support if they fall on hard times.” Professor Kylie Russell said: “In honour of Andrew’s service, ARVL will ensure veterans in WA receive the support they need and deserve. Our veterans always put their service first and have been there for our community when we have needed them most, not only in defence of our country, but through fires, floods and COVID-19. The sobering truth is, veterans often experience dark days, and while most will find a way through these, when they can’t, they need a safe place to connect with the veteran community and receive the specialist support they require.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]