The purpose-built facility is set to feature 16 self-contained units for veterans facing homelessness or housing insecurity.
RAAFA Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Fyfe, says the facility is expected to deliver approximately 5,000 nights of accommodation in its first year.
“This translates to supporting dozens of veterans and their families every year, depending on the length of their stay and individual needs.”
RAAFA CEO, Michelle Fyfe (right), with Mayor Patrick Hall (left), at the ARVL Cannington construction commencement. (Photo: via Mayor Patrick Hall – City of Canning on Facebook).
Fyfe adds, that each veteran will also receive coordinated support and service navigation to assist the transition from crisis accommodation to long-term housing.
“Veterans are three times more likely to experience homelessness compared to the wider population,” says Ms Fyfe.
This contributes to the existing challenges veterans returning home face, including mental health issues, physical injuries, difficulty transitioning back to civilian life, and social isolation.
“These risk factors are often compounded by financial stress and housing instability” says Ms Fyfe.
RAAFA’s mission to support veterans
The West Australian not-for-profit organisation is one of WA’s largest and most trusted retirement living and residential care providers.
However, a significant part of the work carried out by the Air Force Association WA Limited (RAAFA) involves charitable contributions to RAAFA members and its wider branch of veteran networks.
“RAAFA has a proud history of nearly 100 years of service to veterans, founded by those returning from active duty who understood the importance of companionship and care,” explains Ms Fyfe.
The CEO also says the organisation assists serving members of the Australian Defence Force, particularly the Air Force and their families.?
“The Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program is a natural extension of this legacy, offering practical, modern solutions to one of the most urgent challenges veterans face today: homelessness,” says Ms Fyfe.
This $10 million ARVL Cannington development is only the second of its kind in Australia, with a unique housing-first approach, prioritising veterans immediate access to stable housing.
“It is a pioneering initiative for WA, designed to ensure no veteran is left sleeping rough,” says Ms Fyfe.
The not-for-profit claims the $5 million from Lotterywest and the funding from the Federal Government’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program grant of $4.91 million have been crucial to the development of the project.
“Without these contributions, our vision would have remained on paper.
“With their backing, and the support of the WA community, we are now making it a reality,” says Ms Fyfe.
Honouring a hero
RAAFA appointed board member, Professor Kylie Russell, says the ARVL program has been a lifeline for her to see this vision finally come to life.
“From day one, it’s been a really special experience for me, working with RAAFA and becoming part of the RAAFA community myself,” says Professor Russell.
The ARVL program is inspired by the memory of Kylie’s late husband, Sergeant Andrew Russell, who died in service in Afghanistan.
In partnership with the RAAFA, she is dedicated to providing safe spaces for veterans and their families.
Professor Kylie Russell (right), with her late husband, Sergeant Andrew Russell (left), in Kings Park. (Photo: RSL ROMA Sub Branch, Facebook).
Sergeant Andrew Russell was a South Australian-born Special Air Services (SAS) soldier who was killed in Afghanistan in 2002.
His passing marked the first Australian military death in action since the Vietnam War.
When Sergeant Russell’s widow first spoke to the staff at RAAFA about a potential partnership, she says they were supportive and committed from day one.
“They felt that they had a sense of obligation to do this as a veterans provider, organisation, and a housing provider,” says Professor Russell.
CEO Michelle Fyfe says this project represents the power of collective action.
“ARVL Cannington is not only a win for veterans, it is a win for all Western Australians, who can be proud knowing we stand together to support those who have served our nation,” says Ms Fyfe.
Work on the Cannington site is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
Ms Fyfe expects in the long term, ARVL Cannington will aim to address the root causes of homelessness and work to strengthen community connections.
“In the long term, ARVL Cannington will not only provide immediate relief through crisis accommodation but will also help veterans rebuild their lives,” says Ms Fyfe.
