Australia’s largest veteran community will now have further access to fundamental support services following the grand launch of The Oasis Townsville Veteran Wellbeing Centre today.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the completion of The Oasis Townsville Centre will result in better access to essential services for veterans in Northern Queensland.
“One of my first priorities as Minister was to visit the country’s largest garrison city to speak with our veterans and their families and to hear their stories. That trip included a tour of The Oasis with the local Member for Herbert and veteran champion Phil Thompson,” Minister Gee said.
“I was very impressed with The Oasis when I was in Townsville. Now that The Oasis is fully operational, the city has an extraordinary fit-for-purpose community facility to provide targeted supporting for our local veterans and their families.
“The Oasis has demonstrated that there is a new and innovative way our country can care for our men and women in uniform, veterans and their families. It is a one-stop-shop offering important services and support, as our ex-servicemen and women deserve nothing less.
“The Oasis exemplifies why the Australian Government is investing $40.7 million to establish a network of Veteran Wellbeing Centres across Australia in partnership with ex-service organisations and state and territory Governments.
“Not only does The Oasis provide access to health services, ex-service organisations and community groups all in the one location, it’s also where our veterans and their families can connect, catch up with friends and comrades and check in on each other.
“Veterans and their loved ones can also access help via a full spectrum of services to support health and wellbeing, advocacy, education, skills and employment assistance for Australian Defence Force personnel transitioning into civilian life. Housing and accommodation support for the veteran community will also available to those most in need.
“Once the border re-opens, I look forward to returning to Townsville. I am eager to visit The Oasis and meet the ex-service organisations on the ground that do such incredible work in assisting the local veteran community.”
Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said getting the centre established was a team effort from the whole community.
“We have the largest veteran community in Australia and this centre will provide much-needed services for our local veterans and Defence personnel,” Mr Thompson said.
“Projects like this couldn’t happen without the dedication of many local community organisations and people who are passionate about veterans.
“This has come to fruition not just because of our $5 million investment, but more importantly the hard work of so many people to see this vision being realised.”
Veteran Wellbeing Centres are a main feature of the Australian Government’s commitment to putting our veterans and their families first, and complements the more than $4.3 billion a year dedicated to support veteran health.
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