Community invited to the official opening of the Coffs Coast Veterans Wellbeing Centre

THE Coffs Coast Veterans Wellbeing Centre (CCVWC) will officially open at 1pm on Thursday 29 January by the Hon Matt Keogh MP, Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

Founder of the CCVWC Project Sub-Committee Richard Kelloway told News Of The Area, “It’s a milestone a decade in the making and a major community advance.”

The local community is invited to attend the opening ceremony and view the facilities.

“Come and support our ex-service and serving members, first responders and their families.

“It will be a great occasion,” Mr Kelloway said.

State and local government elected representatives, members of the Coffs Ex-Services Club Board of Directors, veterans’ advocates and representatives from ex-services organisations will attend the official opening.

The Coffs Ex-Services Club (C.ex Coffs) and its predecessor organisations have supported veterans and the wider community for more than 75 years.

The new Centre is the Club’s latest community support initiative.

Designed as an inviting, safe and secure space, the Centre provides a calm and welcoming environment, with facilities including large-screen videoconferencing and a private internet kiosk.

A range of local businesses collaborated to fit out and furnish the Centre.

Located on the ground floor of the CODA Building in Vernon Street, the Centre aims to promote wellbeing, resilience and self-sufficiency for veterans, first responders and their families.

The project was made possible through a major financial contribution from C.ex Coffs.

This was complemented by a Commonwealth Government grant, a significant donation from the Coffs Harbour RSL Sub-Branch, and ongoing support from Coffs Coast Legacy and many regional ex-service organisations.

Following the ceremony, the Centre will be open to the public to look through the facilities.

By Andrea FERRARI