Veterans want a wellbeing centre. Which Calare candidates support the idea?

On April 4, 2025, Calare incumbent Andrew Gee, who is running for re-election as an independent, announced his commitment to delivering the centre.

He proposed a hub-and-spoke model, with the centre to be jointly based in Bathurst and Orange, with smaller outreach hubs located in Mudgee, Molong, Lithgow and Wellington.

Mr Gee was joined at the announcement by the presidents of the Bathurst and Orange RSL sub branches, along with some of their members.

The presidents gave a strong endorsement of the proposal, saying it was needed regardless of who was elected as the Member for Calare or which major party formed government.

"We need one out here and I don't care the politics. I don't care which party is in power, I just hope we get one," Orange RSL Sub Branch, Chris Colvin, said.

"... Take the politics out of it. Let's get on with the job and look after our veterans."

ACM, the publisher of this masthead, asked all candidates for their thoughts on the proposal for a Veterans' and Families' Wellbeing Centre.

Specifically, they were asked if they saw the need for one, if they would push for the project if elected, and what they would do differently to Mr Gee's proposal.

Candidates were also asked to share any veterans policies or project ideas they had.

Here are their responses.

The Labor Party candidate, Dr Julie Cunningham, says the Albanese government's investment has made the Department of Veterans Affairs "better funded and resourced than it has been in decades".

While not addressing a wellbeing centre specifically, Dr Cunningham said resourcing would continue to improve.

"It's only Labor that will continue to make sure the Department of Veterans' Affairs is adequately resourced to support our veteran community so that veterans can access services and supports close to home in Calare," she said.

She also stated her support for veterans.

"With around 3500 current and former serving veterans in the electorate of Calare, and as both the daughter and daughter-in-law of veterans, there is no doubt that supporting the veteran community is one of my key priorities," she said.

Nationals candidate Sam Farraway did not comment as to whether he sees a need for a veterans wellbeing centre in the Central West and did not disclose any veterans policies of his own.

"The Coalition will be announcing policies soon that provide additional support for veterans and their families as well as commemorating those who put their lives on the line to serve our nation," he said.

He also cast doubt over Andrew Gee's ability to deliver the wellbeing centre.

"Independents will never be able to deliver anything for Calare," Mr Farraway said.

"... Only a Coalition government can provide real solutions for the people of the Central West."

One Nation's Jennifer Hughes said she sees a need for the Veterans' and Families' Wellbeing Centre proposed by Mr Gee and would push for it herself if elected.

"All Australians living free in our beautiful country have a duty of care to our veterans for the sacrifices they have made for the freedoms we enjoy," she said.

She admitted she was not across the details of Mr Gee's proposal and couldn't say if she would do anything differently, but said she trusts he has "done everything required".

Regarding other veterans policies or projects she would champion as the Member for Calare, Ms Hughes said: "In the unlikely event I am elected, I will follow on from Andrew's current work and ensure his legacy is supported and carried out to fruition."

Responses were not received from the Greens candidate Ben Parker, Family First candidate Ross Hazelton, or independent Kate Hook.

Ms Hook's team did reply to the request for comment to advise that she was unwell.