Veterans in fight for office

VETERAN Affairs Department officers say all feedback is being considered in a review of Geelong Veterans Affairs Network shopfront office operations.

The department said though demand for VAN shopfront services had declined nationally, reviews in other has areas had resulted in extension of services.

Geelong’s veteran community is rallying to save the Malop St office, fearing it is earmarked for closure and that service people will be cut adrift from critical welfare help.

Corio MP Richard Marles raised concerns in Parliament after closure of other regional VAN offices, leaving service delivery to Centrelink.

A Veteran Affairs Department spokesman said it periodically reviewed service delivery to ensure it met client expectations and was responsive and effective.

“Demand for in-person services at VAN shopfronts has declined nationally by 28 per cent in recent years, as members are contacting DVA more frequently via telephone and email,” the spokesman said.

“DVA has recently concluded an extensive period of consultation with the Geelong veteran community on how they would like us to deliver our services in a way that meets their needs.

“All feedback and views expressed during this period of consultation is presently being considered and evaluated. A decision will be made once the feedback has been analysed.”

Geelong is home to more veterans than any other Victorian municipality and veteran leaders say they need face-to-face contact in dealing with often sensitive matters.