Our Patron
Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Ben McLennan CSC and Bar
Homebase for the Veteran Community in Townsville
1 Staging Camp Ave, Oonoonba. Drop-in M-F 0900-1500, after hours upon booking
All closed on W/E and public holidays, unless booked.
[for GPS apps you may have better luck with 20 Darter Street, Oonoonba until actual is recognised on all platforms]
Do you have a Great Story to share? We have a simple form with prompts to help.
I did not plan on being here for Christmas
A local Aboriginal artist and veteran became aware of this fellow veteran and Torres Strait Islander who was in a very bad way. He phoned The Oasis Townsville to advise he was bringing the veteran in. A meeting was arranged with a Planning Coordinator. We also engaged a Wellbeing Advocate from RSL QLD to meet with the veteran, given the level of support likely to be required.
Stuck in Townsville Private Clinic
A Plans and Linkages Coordinators at Homebase got to the bottom of his concerns and anxieties. We discovered that support and a suitable place to live were the key concerns. Ron was given the full intake support and in 30 min felt we had all of his issues undercontrol. our Plans and Linkages Coordinators found , suitable rental accommodation, he realised he could come back to Homebase anytime, and he was happy.
DVA Compensation will cost $100k in childcare
The veteran attended The Oasis, very distraught and presented with suicidal thoughts. A Planning Co-ordinator quickly reached out to experts in the field; this included a financial advisor from Evergreen Financial and Veteran Legal Services. The veteran was advised this would be looked into for them as a matter of urgency and someone from The Oasis would be in touch.
Now they can't get rid of me!
A good friend of Stuart's brought him into The Oasis, but in Stuart's words, "dragged him into The Oasis." One of the Planning Co-ordinators met with Stuart and straight away linked him in with Open Arms for his mental health. Stuart's DVA White Card was also applied for and the claims process was started. Again, in Stuart's own words, "The Oasis gave me hope and a light at the end of the tunnel, helping me navigate the system and getting me in the right direction to get fixed." The Oasis also introduced Stuart to TAFE QLD and courses he could do for free, to upskill and make him more employable as well as organised a resume for him.
Apparently I Am Overqualified
The veteran was linked in with the Employment Co-ordinator who assisted them in having their resume overhauled, cover letter created and interview skills refined through a professional company at no cost. The veteran was also linked in with a Planning Co-ordinator. Through this connection the veteran was introduced to RSL QLD for wellbeing and financial assistance, and free financial counselling, to make the most of the savings the veteran had left.
My 'Third Place'
Peter is a frequenter of Homebase and has his favourite corner inside. He has been a frequent visitor and at first was not very talkative, but after some work by different members of Team Oasis, he opened up. Despite his mental health struggles and feelings of a lack of entitlement to belong to the veteran community, he returns to what he refers to as his 'Third Place" as he feels safe and welcome at Homebase.
Banjos breakthrough
Hamish came to Banjos one morning and got speaking to a staff member about opportunities to get out of the house and meet some people. He had heard about Banjo's breakfast through other support workers who had attended with clients so Hamish thought he would take a bus over to Fairfield then walk down the 3 kilometre walk to the centre.
Stuck at Townsville Private Clinic
A Plans and Linkages Coordinators at Homebase got to the bottom of his concerns and anxieties and upon discovering support and suitable place to live were the key concerns, arranged suitable rental accommodation. He felt comfortable enough at Homebase not long after he settled into new rental accommodation that he bought a date for a coffee to Homebase. He met her in the local community. He now visits us as family at Homebase regularly.
This veteran is a hero to us
A member of Team Oasis convinced the young veteran to come into Homebase. We arranged temporary accommodation at Zac's Place and found a rehabilitation clinic to accept the young veteran. We then arranged his travel and treatment and for DVA to fund them, and then arranged for the removal of his car and effects and for Defence to fund that.
Recovery Journey starts at The Oasis
We organised temporary accommodation at Zac's Place and made a warm referral to Open Arms immediately. She also joined in some of the connections activities at Homebase. Later we arranged work experience with a VBA member business, and she is now a manager and very happy.
Transferable Skills Set Up Lifestyle
The education provided by the Oasis to the private sector on the benefits available through employing Defence veterans and their transferable skills has created a more informed decision basis for companies when seeking and engaging employees. Shamrock Civil recognised and seized this opportunity to support our valued Defence community.
Existing Skills, Career Change - Great Outcomes
The Oasis has created opportunities to network with Defence personnel and other businesses that are supportive of transitioning Defence personnel and veterans into the private sector working environment. It was through these networks that Shamrock Civil became aware of Brad and have subsquently employed him.