The Oasis Townsville is set to name their third PeeWee Hut after Stanley Spencer Kentish Short.

The Chair of The Oasis Townsville LTGEN John Caligari, AO, DSC (Ret'd) said “Stan enlisted in the Australian Army on 23rd June 1941 and served until 1946. He commenced with the 31st Battalion and then transferred to the 61st Battalion. Stan started as a Private and later trained to be a Signalman.

“Mr Short was born in Townsville and was dedicated to serve his country and community. His roots in Townsville run deep as his family history in the area, dating back to 1870, when his ancestors moved to Townsville and established a General Store in Eyre Street, North Ward. After the war Stan worked with his parents in the family business until he built his own business in Gregory Street, North Ward known as Stan Shorts. He worked up until he was 91 years of age. Furthermore, members of Stan's family were in the Kennedy Regiment.

Executive Leader of The Oasis Angie Barsby said “The Oasis Townsville community centre supports Veterans and their families, but also connects with WWII through the design of their four P1 Huts (better known as Peewee Huts during WWII), to not only provide a link back to the US 5th Air Force but now share these Huts as a meeting place that supports community activity.”

Throughout his life, Stan demonstrated an unwavering dedication to serving others both through his military service and philanthropic contributions to his community. His legacy lives on through the impact of the projects he supported and contributed towards, for future generations to enjoy’”

Mark, Stanleys son said “he was absolutely thrilled about receiving the honour of a hut being named after his father and we are looking forward to attending the naming ceremony”.

The naming event for PeeWee Hut 5 will take place on August 29th 2024 with a ceremony with Mr Shorts family and team members from The Oasis Townsville.

For more information about The Oasis Townsville please visit www.theoasistownsville.org.au.