Our Patron
Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier David McCammon DSM 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]
John Caligari
What is your role in The Oasis Townsville?
I am one of the founders of The Oasis Townsville and have been the Chair of the Board since the company was formed in Jan 2018. Having spent 12 years of a 36-year career in the 3rd Brigade, including as CO 1RAR and Commander in 2007-08, I am very familiar with Townsville and its veteran community. Having Chaired Operation COMPASS for its five years (2017-2022), I recognised the need for ex-serving veterans and their families to have a hub from which they can find the most appropriate services and ESOs in Townsville.
Tell us about yourself
I joined the Army at 18 and retired in 2015. I served on combat operations in Somalia, East Timor, and Afghanistan. My favourite job in the Army was as CO 1RAR and taking the Battalion Group to East Timor on combat operations. I finished up as a three-star general designing the capabilities of the ADF and commanding a joint and civilian team, writing the requirements for the ADF's platforms and equipment.
Since retirement, I have enjoyed holidaying with my wife, getting to know my parents again, and passing on my experiences in leadership and governance to anyone who’ll listen.
I am most proud to have made a significant difference to the lives of the men and women I have served with in the ADF and their families.
Why have you joined the team at The Oasis Townsville?
I have some friends from my days in the Army who have not fared well after leaving the Army and the ADF. A group of like-minded veterans has banded together to help our brothers and sisters who need our help to transition successfully back to civilian life or have been out for a while and are looking for the camaraderie we are all accustomed to.
What are you most proud of in your life?
I can’t choose between having my father who was an ex-CO of 1RAR take the CO’s sword from my predecessor to hand to me on parade in front of the Battalion the day I became CO 1RAR; or walking the Kokoda Track with my two sons aged 16 years old.
With respect to The Oasis Townsville, I am very proud to see our dream come true thanks to the amazing staff and volunteers at The Oasis Townsville.
I am very aware that we have saved the lives of many ex-serving veterans.
What’s the best fun you’ve had with family and/or friends?
The best fun I’ve had with family and friends was when Narelle, the kids, and I went on holiday to Europe for a month, calling in on friends all over and visiting all the must-see tourist attractions. The best country was Italy, where we stayed with a few of our old friends from my days as an observer with the UN in the Middle East and from the international community at US Command and General Staff College in Kansas, USA.