Support Services for Southwest Sydney Veterans
Bardia Barracks in Ingleburn will serve as a new Veterans' and Families' Hub, providing essential support services to over 19,000 veterans and their families across southwest Sydney. This initiative was announced on 15th April 2026.
The NSW Government has transferred the barracks to RSL LifeCare, making it a part of the Federal Government's Veterans' and Families' Hub network. This transformation is supported by funding from the Albanese Government, which seeks to enhance veteran services across the region.
Veterans' and Families' Hubs offer a range of services, including mental and physical health care, advocacy, and assistance with employment and housing. The Bardia Barracks Hub will also feature community-focused spaces, such as a multipurpose hall and outdoor areas, to foster social connections.
RSL LifeCare was awarded $5.45 million by the Australian Government to establish the Hawkesbury Veterans' and Families' Hub, as part of the national commitment to expand the Hubs network across the country. This investment will enable the development of two interconnected hubs at Richmond and Bardia Barracks, which will work in close partnership to support veterans and families.
Bardia Barracks was originally built in 1940 as part of the Ingleburn Army Camp, which trained thousands of Australian soldiers during the Second World War. The facility was used up until the 1990s, with soldiers who went on to serve in the Korean and Vietnam wars, National Service schemes and the Army Reserves, training and bunking at Bardia Barracks.
Historic Significance and Modern Purpose
The site has been preserved to maintain its military history while being repurposed to serve as a modern support centre for veterans. It will include dedicated spaces that recognise and celebrate the site’s military history and broader heritage, providing community-focused places for visitors to reflect on its past and ongoing significance.
According to NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris MP, "Southwest Sydney is home to a large number of veterans and current serving personnel, and the new Bardia Barracks hub, along with the hub being built in Richmond, will provide them with welcoming spaces and a range of support services at their doorstep."
RSL LifeCare CEO, Drew Pearce, remarked, "The Bardia Barracks Hub is a strong example of what we can achieve when the Australian and NSW Governments work hand-in-hand with organisations like RSL LifeCare, RSL NSW and our local sub-branches to wrap practical support around veterans and their families."
The Hawkesbury Veterans' and Families' Hub at Windsor RSL currently supports the community, with a permanent hub set to open at the former Richmond Courthouse. These facilities aim to improve access to care and community connections across Sydney.
The NSW Government has invested extensively to remediate the site to preserve this important part of Australia’s military history for future generations. Repurposing Bardia Barracks to contribute to the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub initiative ensures the location remains connected to its proud military heritage, while transforming it into a modern, welcoming space for the extensive veteran community in Sydney.
