The much-anticipated veterans’ catalogue of services web application, now branded as the ‘Veterans’ Catalogue’, goes live today (Tuesday November 1, 2022). The app has been developed with a vision of empowering veterans and their families to more easily find and access services and support when needed.
As part of a 12-month pilot partnership between the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) and veteran-owned technology provider Servulink, the Veterans’ Catalogue web app was officially launched at the RSL New South Wales Congress.
The Veterans’ Catalogue provides users with free access to over 1500 registered veteran service providers, across a range of holistic wellbeing, personal, professional, community network and family needs. It will be available for use on any device and can also operate offline once downloaded. It offers a range of search features to easily target specific services including an interactive map, to refine searches by geographic location. This new online tool will help reduce the complexity faced by our veterans and their families when seeking appropriate services and support.
Importantly, the platform has the flexibility to list and direct its users to other valuable online resources that are being developed by ex-service and veteran support organisations. For organisations yet to register, the process is simple and free via Servulink’s website (servulink.com.au/registration) and enquiries can be directed to helpdesk@servulink.com.au. The project aspires to have all reputable veteran service providers in Australia listed in the catalogue, so users have a single and comprehensive destination to seek and search for support, anywhere, anytime.
The app launches as part of phase one in its development roadmap. Over the pilot period, it is hoped that user feedback, which can be submitted within the app, will help guide the future suite of planned enhancements and features.
RSL President Greg Melick noted the reoccurring theme in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide hearings which emphasised the challenges faced by serving and former serving ADF veterans navigating a complex support system.
“RSL Australia has chosen to support this solution which proactively aims to reduce some of these challenges,” Greg Melick said.
“We recognise the need to deliver on new solutions for veterans and their families, and the Veterans’ Catalogue represents an accessible online app offering a centralised hub with user-friendly search features.
“By simplifying the process of finding the right services to best meet an individual or family’s needs from anywhere in Australia, we can reduce some of the stresses our community are facing,” Greg Melick said.
Veteran and Servulink Co-Founder, Matt Brennan, said the Veterans’ Catalogue would empower veterans and their families to successfully discover and navigate the network of support and services available, accessing those they need, when and where they need them.
“The Australian veteran service and support environment is large, diverse and complex, comprising some 2800 ex-service organisations, and approximately 4000 registered charities nation-wide,” Matt Brennan said.
“There is also a growing number of government and corporate entities focused on supporting and employing veterans.
“Identifying the relevant local support and services for particular needs can be challenging, often resulting in service delivery failure, confusion, frustration, and negative mental health impacts, ironically among the very people, that these services are intended to assist.
“Servulink is a unique Australian social enterprise, using technology to transform the national veteran support landscape by connecting Australian veterans and their families to the services, support, and communities they need. In partnership with the RSL the ‘Veterans’ Catalogue of Services’ pilot is a significant step towards achieving this vision.
“It offers a digital solution specifically designed to help overcome the complexity many veterans face when seeking support, making it easier for them to identify and access vital services wherever they may be,” Matt Brennan said.
