A new one-stop support shop that has been years in the making has officially opened in Townsville today to provide ongoing support for veterans and their families.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Federal Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson OAM MP representing the Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester today officially opened The Oasis Townsville, a fit-for-purpose community hub for veterans to seek support.
"The Oasis Townsville will help give local veterans and their families a clear pathway to transition to civilian life, with the respect, dignity and support they deserve," the Premier said.
"I'm proud to mark this important milestone for veteran support in Townsville and North Queensland.
"My government has proudly supported the development of The Oasis Townsville over the last five years, including providing the site of the former Queensland Government biosecurity lab as well as $4.3 million for early works to develop infrastructure including roads, footpaths and parking.
"And delivering on our commitment at the last election, we will provide an additional $1 million over the next four years to support service delivery at the centre.
"This site is incredibly significant in Townsville's military history used as a Staging Camp during World War II before deployment and also the place many veterans transitioned out of the ADF after their return form operations in PNG."
The Federal Government provided $5 million to the capital works of The Oasis Townsville over three years from 2019-20, for the construction of the main facility plus five smaller buildings, as part of a $40.7 million investment in a network of eight veteran wellbeing centres across the nation.
Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said The Oasis would provide one of our largest growing veteran communities with a one-stop shop to access assistance from government, health services, ESOs and community groups.
"Townsville is home to some 12,000 ADF personnel and their families, as well as some 8,000 veterans and their families, who will all have access to the services and support from the Oasis," Mr Chester said.
"Three Veteran Wellbeing Centres are now open as part of the Federal Government's commitment, with a further two operating from interim locations, providing additional support to our ADF members, veterans and their families."
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said it was great to see this long-awaited project now realised and ready to start supporting the serving and ex-serving community in Australia's largest garrison city.
"I transitioned from the ADF almost 10 years ago and I wish there had been something like this available for me back then. I'm proud of the increased support we've provided for veterans and their families, particularly during transition, and this is just another step in ensuring all veterans receive support when and where they need it," Mr Thompson said.
