In a pledge to help Western Australian veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the State Government has today announced a $5 million Lotterywest grant to support RAAFA’s Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program.
The pledge comes following the launch of the ARVL Appeal earlier this year, where RAAFA called on the public to help raise $10 million to fund the build of the ARVL emergency accommodation site for veterans experiencing homelessness.
The site will consist of 16 purpose-built units in Cannington and form just one part of ARVL’s purpose-designed veteran support program which aims to connect 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.
Sergeant Russell’s wife Kylie has worked with RAAFA to establish the ARVL program in his honour.
RAAFA CEO, Michelle Fyfe said the grant from the State Government will help make ARVL a reality.
“Over the past two years our team at RAAFA has advocated to increase veteran support services and deliver a purpose-built accommodation site for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness through the development of our ARVL program. Today, we move closer to making this site a reality. We are immensely grateful to not only the State Government and Lotterywest for their generosity, but the Western Australian community for getting behind our appeal and continuing to donate to this all important cause,” said Fyfe.
Western Australian Minister for Veterans Issues Paul Papalia said he is proud to support the ARVL program.
“The State Government has delivered a $5 million grant through Lotterywest to establish ARVL in Western Australia. This project will support veterans who are experiencing or 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.
“I encourage the community to continue to dig deep and support this life-changing initiative,” said Minister Papalia.
Professor Kylie Russell, widow to the late Sergeant Andrew 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,” said Russell.
Last year, the Leave No Veteran Behind Report revealed veterans are three times more at risk of experiencing homelessness than everyday Australians. Based on a successful program currently running in South Australia, RAAFA’s ARVL program will provide eligible West Australian veterans with a fully furnished one bedroom unit or bedsit, along with a personalised health and wellbeing services program.
RAAFA’s commitment to ending veteran homelessness extends through its support of the Sir Valston Hancock House veteran accommodation site, which was generously funded by Hancock Prospecting. Since opening in September 2024, the site has almost exhausted its capacity to house veterans, further confirming the need for ARVL’s emergency accommodation site.
Planning for the ARVL accommodation site is underway, with a development application expected to be lodged in early 2025.