Find the support you may be entitled to across Queanbeyan, the Southern Tablelands, Monaro, Riverina and South Coast — from DVA health care and treatment travel to NSW rates, power, transport, housing, advocacy and local veteran services.
Need help now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. The services below provide crisis, mental health, family violence and health support.
| Service | Phone | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency – Police / Ambulance / Fire | 000 | Immediate danger, serious injury, medical emergency, or immediate risk of harm. |
| Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling | 1800 011 046 | 24/7 free and confidential counselling for veterans and their families. |
| Safe Zone Support | 1800 142 072 | 24/7 anonymous counselling for current and ex-serving ADF members, veterans and their families. Callers do not have to identify themselves. |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | 24/7 crisis and suicide-prevention support. |
| Lifeline Text | 0477 13 11 14 | 24/7 crisis support by text message. |
| Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | Suicide-prevention counselling and support. |
| NSW Mental Health Line | 1800 011 511 | 24/7 NSW mental-health assessment, advice and referral. |
| MensLine Australia | 1300 78 99 78 | 24/7 counselling for men covering mental health, relationships, anger, stress, family violence and suicidal thoughts. |
| 1800RESPECT | 1800 737 732 | 24/7 domestic, family and sexual violence support. |
| 1800RESPECT Text | 0458 737 732 | Text support for domestic, family and sexual violence. |
| NSW Domestic Violence Line | 1800 656 463 | NSW domestic and family violence crisis assistance. |
| Healthdirect | 1800 022 222 | 24/7 health advice from a registered nurse if you are unsure whether medical attention is required. |
Start here
Current ADF members can request their service records through ServiceConnect → My Service Records using myID.
Former ADF members can request their service records by submitting a Defence Personal Information Request.
DVA cards & core entitlements
Veteran White Card — Specific Conditions
Covers clinically required treatment for accepted service-related conditions. It can also carry eligible Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) coverage, including mental health.
Veteran Gold Card — All Conditions
Provides clinically needed treatment for all medical conditions within Australia. It can also open access to NSW concessions, but individual concession eligibility still varies.
Veteran Orange Card — Pharmaceuticals Only
For eligible Commonwealth and allied Second World War veterans. Provides concessions on prescription medicines, wound care items and nutritional supplements, but not general medical treatment.
Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC)
NLHC can fund treatment without requiring you to prove that ADF service caused the condition. Mental health eligibility includes current/former full-time ADF members and certain Reservists. Different rules apply to cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis.
DVA Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)
DVA issues a PCC with qualifying income-support payments such as Service Pension, Income Support Supplement or Social Security Age Pension. The PCC can unlock cheaper medicines plus NSW transport, rates, utility, licence and registration concessions.
Service NSW veteran guide
Service NSW carries information on several veteran programs and concessions. Some are available to all veterans, while others have specific eligibility requirements — for example a DVA Gold Card marked TPI or EDA. Most listed services can be applied for online or by phone. Service NSW can also help identify other rebates through the Savings Finder.
Open the Service NSW Guide to concessions and services for veterans and their families. Or call Service NSW on 13 77 88, Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm Sydney time.
Health, medicines & support at home
Medical, allied health, dental & optical
Gold Card holders can access clinically required treatment for all conditions. White Card treatment is limited to covered conditions. DVA arrangements may include GP/specialist care, allied health, dental, optical and medicines where clinically indicated.
Open Arms counselling
Free, confidential, military-aware counselling, group programs and peer support for eligible veterans and families.
Safe Zone Support
Anonymous counselling for current and ex-serving ADF personnel, veterans and families. You decide how much personal information to share.
Veterans’ Home Care (VHC)
For eligible Veteran Card holders who live at home and have functional limitations. Services can include domestic assistance, personal care, respite, and home/garden maintenance.
Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP)
Can provide clinically assessed aids, equipment and modifications to help you stay safe and independent, including hearing/tinnitus devices, mobility aids, household equipment and some home modifications.
Community Nursing
DVA-funded community nursing may be available for clinically assessed nursing or personal-care needs. Gold Card holders are covered for clinically required needs; White Card coverage must relate to eligible conditions.
National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare
The National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare at Concord Hospital provides integrated outpatient care for veterans, coordinated through a case-management model. Regional and interstate veterans referred for treatment may also be eligible to use accommodation at Fussell House.
Get Healthy Service
A free NSW phone-based health coaching service for adults aged 16 and over who want help setting and achieving health goals.
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)
NSW-wide information, counselling and referral support for people concerned about alcohol or other drug use, including family members.
Support for carers
Family members providing ongoing unpaid care may qualify for separate NSW services, concessions and support. This can be particularly useful where a veteran needs help because of disability, chronic illness or mental health needs.
NSW Spectacles Program
The NSW Spectacles Program provides free glasses and vision aids to eligible people, including eligible DVA card holders.
Travel & transport
Treatment travel reimbursement
For eligible treatment on or after 1 July 2026, DVA can reimburse reasonable travel costs. Private vehicle travel is reimbursed at $0.68/km, and the former 50 km minimum for private vehicle trips no longer applies.
- Private vehicle kilometre allowance
- Public/community transport, taxi or rideshare
- Parking and tolls in eligible circumstances
- Meals and accommodation where reasonably required
Booked Car with Driver (BCWD)
Eligible older or vulnerable Veteran Card holders may have transport pre-arranged and paid by DVA for covered treatment.
Gold Opal — $2.50 daily cap
DVA Veteran Gold Card holders can apply for a Gold Opal card for unlimited travel capped at $2.50 a day on the Opal network. Carry your DVA Gold Card as proof of entitlement.
Ex-defence disability travel card
Some ex-defence personnel with a service-related disability can qualify for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card that provides free travel on most NSW public transport.
Pensioner Travel Vouchers
Eligible NSW/ACT Pensioner Concession Card holders and NSW War Widow/er travel-card holders can access 4 Pensioner Travel Vouchers per calendar year on NSW TrainLink.
Taxi, mobility parking & hospital parking
You may also qualify for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS), Mobility Parking Scheme, or reduced parking fees at NSW public hospitals.
Rates, power, gas & household rebates
| Benefit | Current value / concession | Typical veteran eligibility | How to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Income Household Rebate | Up to $285/year retail; $313.50/year embedded network | DVA Gold Card or eligible PCC/HCC/LHCC; account must generally be in your name at your principal residence. | Retail customer: call your electricity retailer and ask for the NSW Low Income Household Rebate. Embedded network: apply through Service NSW. |
| NSW Gas Rebate | $110/year | DVA Gold Card or eligible concession card; principal residence and account conditions apply. | Retail customer: call gas retailer. Embedded/on-supply or eligible bottled LPG: apply using the Service NSW process. |
| Medical Energy Rebate | Up to $285/year | Eligible concession card plus a medically assessed inability to self-regulate body temperature. | Complete the application with your treating GP/specialist and lodge via the applicable retail or embedded-network process. |
| Life Support Energy Rebate | Varies by approved equipment | You or someone living with you requires approved energy-intensive life-support equipment at home. | Ask your GP/specialist to complete the medical section; provide the form to your retailer or apply via the embedded-network process. |
| NSW council rates rebate | Up to $250 rates + $87.50 water + $87.50 sewer | PCC, or Gold Card marked TPI/EDA, or some War Widow/er / wholly dependent partner arrangements. | Apply to your local council with your rates account and concession details. |
| Pensioner water rebate | Supplier/council dependent | Owner-occupier with an eligible PCC, certain Gold Card endorsements, or qualifying DVA letter. | Apply to your water supplier or local council. |
| Seniors Energy Rebate | $200/year | Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders. Not for Gold Card/PCC holders receiving the Low Income Household Rebate pathway. | Apply through Service NSW if you meet CSHC criteria. |
QPRC rates — local example
QPRC applies the NSW statutory pensioner concessions. For 2026–27, Council also approved an additional $60 voluntary pensioner rebate. Check your rates notice because the concession may already be applied.
Apply for QPRC pensioner rebate →
2026–27 $60 voluntary rebate decision →
Service NSW Savings Finder
Service NSW can review your circumstances and identify rebates, vouchers and concessions you may be missing.
Driving, licences, recreation & other NSW concessions
Driver licence & tests
Eligible NSW pensioners/DVA clients may not have to pay for a driver licence, driving test, riding skills test, certain log books, Photo Card or Mobility Parking Permit application/renewal.
Vehicle registration & motor vehicle tax
Eligible DVA pensioners can receive a concession on one vehicle, including registration fees, motor vehicle tax, conditional registration fees and some inspection fees. Some DVA pensioners also qualify for transfer/stamp-duty exemptions.
E-Toll / Easy Toll concessions
Eligible concession holders can receive E-Toll account concessions. Sydney Harbour Bridge/Tunnel toll exemption is limited to specific cases, including some TPI holders and modified vehicles with hand controls.
NSW National Parks Concession Pass
DVA Veteran Card holders — Gold, White or Orange — can apply for a concession pass providing free car entry to NSW national parks that charge entry fees.
Recreational fishing
Eligible DVA card holders can be exempt from the NSW recreational fishing fee. You must carry the required proof when fishing.
Boat, vessel & mooring concessions
Eligible DVA card holders may receive a 50% discount on a general boat driving licence, vessel registration and private mooring licence.
Firearms licence fee exemption
Eligible DVA/pensioner card holders applying for NSW Category A, B or H firearms licences may claim a fee exemption. All normal licensing, genuine-reason, safety and suitability requirements still apply.
NSW Seniors Card / Senior Savers Card
If you meet NSW age/work criteria, these cards provide discounts and special offers at thousands of participating businesses. A Veteran Gold Card can be used as one form of proof of identity for the application.
NSW Companion Card
People with a significant and permanent disability who require attendant care may qualify. At participating venues, the companion receives a second ticket at no charge.
Private business discounts
Some businesses offer discounts to Veteran Card holders, but these are voluntary and can change. There is no single guaranteed national list covering every retailer.
Claims, legal help, housing, work & training
RSL LifeCare DVA claims & advocacy
Free help preparing and lodging DVA claims, gathering evidence, and appealing rejected claims. Support is available face-to-face, by phone and online.
Legal Aid NSW Veterans’ Advocacy Service
A statewide specialist service for ADF members, former members and dependants. It provides independent advice on veteran-entitlement claims and appeals and can provide representation.
Rent Choice Veterans
For eligible former permanent ADF members who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Can help find a private rental and subsidise rent for up to 36 months, with education and employment support.
NSW Veterans Employment Program
Tools, resources and guidance to help veterans translate military skills into NSW public-sector roles, including rank-to-grade and application support.
TAFE NSW — Ranks to Recognition
Provides veterans with free career counselling and recognition of prior learning, with pathways into TAFE NSW training from Certificate I through to Advanced Diploma level.
Power of Attorney preparation
NSW Trustee and Guardian may prepare a Power of Attorney free for eligible pensioners.
Where to get help in Southern NSW
Queanbeyan Veteran & Family Hub
251 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan NSW 2620
Phone: (02) 6263 9570
Services include wellbeing support, DVA claims and advocacy, employment assistance, homelessness/housing support and community programs. Open Arms counselling appointments are also offered at the Hub.
ACT Veteran & Family Hub
26 Archibald Street, Lyneham ACT. Operates in partnership with the Queanbeyan Hub and is available by appointment.
Riverina Veteran & Family Hub
240 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Phone: (02) 5958 5471
Veteran and family wellbeing, advocacy and support services.
Shoalhaven Veteran & Family Hub
124 Wallace Street, Nowra NSW 2541
Phone: (02) 4428 5777
Wellbeing, claims and advocacy, employment, housing and community support for veterans and families.
Service NSW — veteran concessions
Use the veterans guide as the master NSW checklist for transport, licence, registration, energy, rates, water and other concessions.
Service NSW — Guide to concessions and services for veterans and their families →
NSW Office for Veterans Affairs
Coordinates NSW veteran programs and can help direct veterans to state services.
Ex-service organisations (ESOs)
ESOs can help veterans and families with DVA advocacy, welfare, financial assistance, employment and vocational advice, home or hospital visits, and links to aged-care and community services.
Gold Card holder - quick checklist
Health and treatment
Use your Gold Card for clinically required treatment for all conditions in Australia. Before treatment, confirm the provider accepts DVA arrangements and whether a referral or prior approval is required.
Travel for medical treatment
Check DVA travel reimbursement for every covered appointment. From 1 July 2026, private vehicle travel is assessed at $0.68/km and the former 50 km minimum for private vehicle trips has been removed.
Power and gas rebates
Gold Card holders can qualify for the NSW Low Income Household Rebate and Gas Rebate where account/residence conditions are met. Medical and life-support rebates can be added if the medical criteria are met.
Rates and water
Do not assume Gold Card alone is enough. Council rates usually require PCC or a Gold Card marked TPI/EDA (with other special categories also covered). Water eligibility is broader in some cases. Apply directly with your council/water supplier.
Transport and public transport
Gold Card holders can apply for a Gold Opal card. Veterans with qualifying service-related disability may instead qualify for free travel through an ex-defence Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
Rego, licence and tolls
These concessions depend on the underlying DVA pension or endorsement. Check eligibility rather than assuming the Gold Card itself is sufficient.
National Parks and recreation
Gold, White and Orange Veteran Card holders can apply for the NSW National Parks Concession Pass. Fishing, boating and some licence-fee concessions may also apply.
Official sources & currency
This is a navigation guide, not an eligibility decision.
Entitlements depend on service history, accepted conditions, DVA legislation, pension/payment status, card endorsements, residency, ownership/account-holder rules and individual program criteria. Rates and programs change. Use the linked official pages before relying on a dollar value or making a financial decision.
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs — Veteran Card
- DVA — Travel for Treatment
- DVA — Veterans’ Home Care
- Service NSW — Guide to concessions and services for veterans and their families
- Service NSW — Low Income Household Rebate
- Service NSW — Pensioner council rates rebates
- Service NSW — Pensioner water rebate
- RSL LifeCare — Queanbeyan Veteran & Family Hub
If someone is in immediate danger call 000. For veteran and family mental health support, Open Arms is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046.