On 29 August, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs joined RAAFA and community leaders in Perth to mark a significant milestone in veteran support — the ceremonial turning of the sod at the future site of the Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program. This event symbolises the beginning of construction on 16 purpose-built transitional housing units, designed to support Western Australian veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The ARVL initiative, named in honour of SAS soldier Sergeant Andrew Russell who was killed in Afghanistan in 2002, is a flagship project under the Australian Government’s $30 million Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
RAAFA received $4.91 million in federal funding to bring this vision to life. ($4.33 million for capital works and $580,000 for specialist wrap-around services).
The ARVL program will offer more than just shelter. Veterans will have access to tailored support services including mental and physical health care, employment pathways, and service navigation, all designed to address the complex factors that contribute to homelessness. The housing-first model reflects a growing recognition that stable accommodation is a critical foundation for recovery and reintegration.
The sod-turn event marks the beginning of construction, but also the culmination of years of advocacy, planning, and collaboration. The ARVL program is set to become a national exemplar in veteran housing and care.
As the first shovels hit the soil, the message was clear: Australia is committed to ensuring its veterans have a safe place to call home.
Any veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness is encouraged to reach out to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 to be connected to appropriate supports.