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Sir Valston Hancock House, Western Australia’s first targeted accommodation program designed to support local veterans, was officially opened on 25 September 2024.
The program, delivered by RAAFA and supported by RSL WA, has been made possible by Hancock Prospecting, which purchased the South Perth site in December 2023 and refurbished it into purpose-built accommodation designed to support the needs of WA veterans.
The nine month refurbishment has seen the delivery of nine two-bedroom apartments, in addition to site-specific needs for veterans.
An ode to the late Sir Valston Hancock, the former leader of the Royal Australian Air Force and uncle of Mrs Gina Rinehart, Sir Valston Hancock House will be operated by RAAFA, while RSL WA will be responsible for promoting the program within the veteran community, referring tenants.
Support from Hancock Prospecting to make Sir Valson Hancock House a reality builds on the dedication and generosity of Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, to supporting veterans in honour of their service.
In 2023, Mrs Rineheart was named “Honorary Guardian of Veterans” by Soldier On for her long-term support of veterans. Under her leadership Hancock Prospecting and its related companies, including Roy Hill, she continues to drive veteran employment opportunities within each of her businesses.
Demand for Sir Valson Hancock House’s services has already been strong, with an operational trial already in motion. Veteran Alex, who was recently welcomed into the accommodation, said the program will make a big difference to his life.
“I was totally surprised when I first walked in the door at Sir Valston Hancock House and everything that I needed was here — all I needed to bring my clothes. I was homeless and living in my car and it took a month to get all my records together to be eligible to move into suitable accommodation, with the help of RAAFA and RSL WA I was able to move into Sir Valston Hancock House quickly.”
“This experience has improved my life, it’s easier for me to connect with my children and by living here I’m closer to hospitals which makes it a lot easier for me to attend medical appointments that I need. I’d like to thank RAAFA, RSL WA and Hancock Prospecting for everything they’ve done for me here and I hope that they can help others too,” said Alex.
RAAFA CEO, Michelle Fyfe said Sir Valston Hancock House will open its doors to veterans for whom civilian life has not gone as well as it could have.
“We are thrilled to be officially opening the doors to Sir Valston Hancock House today as part of a proud partnership with RSL WA, made possible by the generosity of Mrs Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting. Sir Valston Hancock House will make an incredible difference to the over 300 veterans each year who struggle to find accommodation and are at risk of homelessness. ” said Fyfe.
Sir Valston Hancock House builds on RAAFA’s commitment and legacy supporting WA veterans, with the organisation currently running an appeal to launch a targeted emergency veteran accommodation site as part of its Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program. ARVL will act as a temporary prelude to Sir Valston Hancock House, helping veterans address emergency needs before supporting them with seeking long-term wellbeing services and stable housing.
Newly appointed RSL WA CEO, Stephen Barton said “This collaboration between RSL WA and RAAFA will unlock a new level of support for WA veterans and their families from a central location. Thank you to Mrs Gina Rinehart AO and Hancock Prospecting for your unyielding support of the veteran community. Your contribution is immense and we look forward to sharing the strong impact these nine units will have on the lives of the new tenants.”
