A new centre for the VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service in Melbourne was opened today at a ceremony that also acknowledged the contribution of Vietnam veterans in establishing the service. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Bruce Billson said the new premises, in the heart of Melbourne, offered improved facilities for veterans and their families and would provide a comfortable and professional environment to facilitate the invaluable support VVCS provides.

"VVCS has played a significant role in the support and rehabilitation of many of our veterans since its establishment 25 years ago as the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service and I congratulate all those involved in providing such a well regarded service," Mr Billson said. "The veteran community in Victoria values the high quality counselling
services provided by the VVCS and I trust this new centre will continue to be the hub of veterans counselling and support in Melbourne."

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, said the Vietnam veterans' commitment to looking out for each other saw them successfully lobby the Australian Government for counselling and support services, leading to the formation of the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service. "The VVCS has evolved from where it started 25 years ago, and today's ceremony acknowledges the commitment of the Vietnam veteran community to establishing a service that now supports all veterans and their families," Mr Billson said.

The ceremonial tribute includes a special plaque at the Melbourne VVCS office to serve as a permanent reminder of the role Vietnam veterans had in establishing the service. Each of the fifteen VVCS offices is having a gifting ceremony in recognition of the history and importance of the service. "The name change from the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service (VVCS) to VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service follows widespread consultations with the veteran community," Mr Billson said

"Younger veterans, peacekeepers, those who have recently left the forces and their families were telling me that while they needed a counselling service they thought the Vietnam veterans service wasn't for them. "We felt if the name was a barrier to accessing important counselling and mental health care we had to change it, but still acknowledge the
role of Vietnam veterans in establishing the service, a move the Vietnam veteran community recognises."

Today, VVCS provides Australia-wide support and services to veterans of all conflicts and peace operations, wives, widows, partners, sons and daughters, as well as eligible ADF personnel. "VVCS is a professional and responsive service that is widely recognised and respected. The new name and now the new centre builds on the service
created 25 years ago and ensures that any eligible current or former service member and their family will feel comfortable accessing it and getting the support they need when they need it most," Mr Billson said.