Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch
Pensions and Welfare Service
(housing Australian Veterans Group Post 1975)
Are you getting the benefits you deserve?
Who are we?
The Hervey Bay Sub-Branch of the RSL offers a FREE Pensions and Advocacy service that is staffed and operated by qualified Pensions Officers, Advocates & Welfare officers.
Our staff provides professional advice and assistance on obtaining eligible benefits under the:
- Veterans’ Entitlement Act (VEA)
- Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (SRCA) and
- Military Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (MRCA)
In addition, the RSL State Branch Pensions, Advocacy and Welfare Service have advocates throughout Queensland who are:
- Highly experienced in lodging claims under the Veterans Entitlements Act (VEA), the Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (SRCA) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA);
- Caring and qualified to practise in their areas of expertise;
- Able to draw on a wealth of operational and broad-based peacetime experience; and
- Having served overseas and in the ADF for many years.
Services We Offer
The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch’s Pensions and Welfare Service covers disability pensions, compensation payments, associated allowances, income support payments and treatment available to entitled veterans and former serving members of the Defence Forces and their dependants.
Seek Expert Advice
Due to the complexities involved in preparing initial claims under the VEA, SRCA and MRCA, we recommend you seek the assistance of a Pensions Officer or Advocate (RSL or other ESO) who is qualified under the DVA sponsored Training and Information Program (TIP).
Am I eligible to use the RSL Sub-Branch’s service?
RSL Pensions, Advocacy and Welfare Service is available to all veterans, former and current members of the Defence Force, and their dependants, whether they are RSL members or not.
Eligible Service
The State Branch Pensions, Advocacy and Welfare Service can advise you of your entitlement to benefits according to your service history, even if you are not a current RSL member.
You can also establish your eligibility for benefits and entitlements through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. For further information, visit the DVA website: www.dva.gov.au
Injured in the ADF?
If you are a Veteran or current/former ADF member, and have an injury or illness causally related to your ADF service, or you were discharged on medical grounds, you may be entitled to benefits you didn’t even know about.
For further information on the VEA, SRCA & MRCA, go the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au
ADF Reserves & Cadets
All members of the Australia Defence Force (ADF), including Reserves and Cadets, have compensation coverage under the provisions of the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) for injury arising out of or in the course of employment before 1 July 2004 (i.e.: duty in the ADF, Reserves, Cadet Corps). This includes injury sustained while travelling between a member’s place of residence and place of employment, including Reserve parades, camps etc.
New MRCC Scheme (MRCA)
The New Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (MRCC) Scheme was fully operational on 1 July 2004. The legislation delivers a single, military-specific scheme designed to meet the needs of all Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families in the event of injury or death. It applies to all service in the ADF from the date of its commencement which was 1 July 2004.
Veterans who are no longer in the ADF (discharged before 1 July 2004) will not be affected by the new legislation and will continue to be covered under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) or the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA).
You are not alone
In addition to the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch, RSL State Branch has Pensions Officers and Advocates in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Brisbane, (soon to be established in Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast) who are able to visit serving or ex-service personnel, who are too ill or incapacitated to leave their homes or care facilities.
For those in remote areas of Queensland, RSL Sub Branches and Districts generally have officers who have received training under the DVA sponsored TIP program and can provide similar services. Just contact your local RSL Sub Branch or RSL State HQ phone (07) 3634 9444.
Where can you find us?
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch Australian Veterans Group Post 1975
3rd Floor 3rd Floor
11-13 Torquay Road 11-13 Torquay Road
PIALBA Qld 4655 PIALBA Qld 4655
Phone: (07) 4197 7477 find us at:
www.australianveteransgrouppost1975.org.au
Hervey Bay PAWS Office
1 Bryant Street
PIALBA Qld 4655
Phone: (07) 4194 1511
Brisbane
State Headquarters
283 St Paul’s Terrace,
FORTITUDE VALLEY Qld 4006
Phone: (07) 3634 9444
Cairns
Cairns PAWS Office
129 Abbott Street
CAIRNS Qld 4870
Phone: (07) 4031 5446
Townsville
Townsville PAWS Office
Townsville RSL
Quinn’s Post
139 Charters Towers Road
HERMIT PARK Qld 4812
Phone: (07) 4759 9515
Rockhampton
Rockhampton PAWS Office
214 Quay Street
ROCKHAMPTON Qld 4700
Phone: (07) 4922 7747
Toowoomba
Toowoomba PAWS Office
Toowoomba RSL
549 Ruthven Street
TOOWOOMBA Qld 4350
Phone: (07) 4634 8874
