Western Australia’s first targeted accommodation program designed to support local veterans, Sir Valston Hancock House, was officially opened on 25 September 2024
The program 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. It is named in honour of the late Sir Valston Hancock, the former Chief of the Air Staff and uncle of Mrs Gina Rinehart AO.
Sir Valston Hancock House is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force Association WA (RAAFA), while RSL WA is responsible for promoting the program within the veteran community and referring tenants.
The nine-month refurbishment has seen the creation of nine two-bedroom apartments, in addition to site-specific needs for veterans.
An operational trial is already in motion and veteran Alex was the first to be welcomed into the accommodation.
“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 was my clothes,” he said.
“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.”
Alex noted the significance the accommodation program has had on his life.
“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,” he said.
“Id 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.”
Support from Hancock Prospecting to make Sir Valston Hancock House a reality builds on the dedication and generosity of Mrs Rinehart, Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, to supporting veterans in honour of their service.
In 2023, Mrs Rinehart 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.
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.” he said.
Sir Valston Hancock House builds on RAAFA’s commitment and legacy supporting WA veterans.
The organisation is 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.
