The Andrews Labor Government is doing more to support Victoria’s veteran community by upgrading a dedicated mental health precinct.

Minister for Veterans Robin Scott was at Austin Health’s Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital today to announce $75,000 to refurbish the outdoor area of the Coral-Balmoral Building.

It forms part of the hospital’s dedicated mental health precinct.

The Labor Government is investing $1 million to the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia so that they can continue their important work supporting members to be healthy, happy and to participate in society.

The upgrades to the outdoor area will ensure all patients of the hospital’s Older Veterans Psychiatry Program – many of whom are Vietnam veterans – can access the area as part of their wellness program.

Built in 1941, the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital has a long history of caring for veterans and war widows and continues to provide surgical, mental health, aged care and outpatient services.

The program provides multidisciplinary specialist support to entitled veterans and war widows, 60 years of age and over, who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

The Labor Government is also investing $1.5 million to expand the Centenary of Anzac Centre, which provides specialised mental healthcare for current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.

This is on top of having ordered a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which is due to deliver its final report later this year.

The Labor Government has committed to accepting all of its recommendations.