Bardia Barracks in Ingleburn is set to serve the nation in a new role, providing services to support the NSW veteran community as the base for a new Veterans' and Families' Hub.
The NSW Government, through the support of Landcom, has officially turned over Bardia Barracks to RSL LifeCare, where it will form part of the Federal Government's Veterans' and Families' Hub network.
RSL Lifecare has been funded by the Albanese Government to deliver veteran services across the southwestern corridor of Sydney with a Veterans' and Families' Hub in Richmond connected with a new Hub at Bardia Barracks. Together, these two sites will offer a complete wellbeing service for more than 19,000 veterans and families of veterans living across Sydney's southwest.
Veterans' and Families' Hubs offer mental and physical health services, advocacy, and employment and housing support. The Bardia Barracks Hub will also feature a multipurpose hall, dedicated meeting rooms, and outdoor social and play areas designed to support community gatherings and strengthen social connection for veterans and families. 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.
Bardia Barracks was 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.
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.
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. By establishing a coordinated corridor of services across the region, RSLLC will strengthen access to care, advocacy, and community connection for veterans from the Hawkesbury through to South Western Sydney.
The Hawkesbury veteran community is able to access wellbeing support at the temporary Veterans' and Families' Hub at Windsor RSL, 36 Argyle St, South Windsor. The permanent Veterans' and Families Hub for the Hawkesbury region will be located at the historic former Richmond Courthouse in the heart of town, providing easy access for veterans, families and local service personnel.
This development is a powerful testament to the great things that can be delivered for Australia's veteran community when Federal and State Governments come together alongside community organisations.
