Homebase for the Veteran Community in Townsville

Background to The Veterans' and Families Hubs

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The idea for a 'referral hub' originated in the early 2010s from a collaboration of several of Townsville's veteran community leaders. They were concerned that the services provided by each of their organisations were dispersed throughout Townsville, related to specific types of service and in some cases to specific veteran demographics; and it was particularly difficult for members of the ADF transitioning and those already transitioned in the ex-ADF community to identify which ESO could help with any particular issue or circumstance.

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The potential solution for a single entry point to support and for camaraderie gained significant momentum in 2016 with the offer of a building (old tennis courts on Ingham Rd near the Showgrounds) for 'The Services Hub' by the Townsville Mayor, Cr. Jenny Hill. However, this site presented problems in that it was only useful as a small meeting place and each ESOs would need to be represented or at worst they would need to have volunteers staff it. The ESOs then began to discuss an online Services Directory that would assist in finding the necessary services. It was recognised however that this did not encourage social connections which is one of the significant benefits of the ESOs and veteran associations. These issues confirmed the need for a staffed facility with significant meeting spaces.

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The rise in veteran suicide caused an additional impetus to do something. In August 2016 the PM announced a national suicide prevention trial for veterans and their families to be conducted in Townsville to examine innovative ways of reducing the suicide rate in the veteran community. The trial became known as Operation COMPASS. The trial involved many of the ESOs and veterans and family members keen to do something about the suicide problem and in most cases were touched by someone they knew who died by suicide or was at serious risk. The lessons identified in Operation COMPASS led the Townsville veteran community to the same conclusion regarding a 'single front door' for redirection to an appropriate service. 

 

In the lead up to the Queensland election in November 2017, the Labor Party adopted an unsolicited proposal for $5mil to refurbish the old Department of Primary Industries (DPI) building in Oonoonba, Townsville. They made an election pledge to do that and subsequently formed Government. The Oasis Townsville is located in the State Electorate of Mundingburra (with the 2017 changes to electoral boundaries) and Coralee O'Rourke won the seat and fortuitously was appointed Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors. Ms O'Rourke was a very strong supporter to ensure the process remained on the right path to achieve the effect the veteran community wanted and needed. 

 

As the work to re-design the 5000m2 site progressed, it was apparent that the Queensland Government grant would not be sufficient to complete the full redevelopment of the site but was sufficient to commence operations and provide a basis for growth. The Federal election of 2019 however, presented an opportunity to complete the project. Commitments were made by both major parties to provide the remainder of the funds needed to complete the Oonoonba Home Base. The Federal Coalition Government's commitment of a further $5mil was sufficient to ensure The Oasis Townsville was completed.

 

The LNP commitment also included $25mil to fund a further five similar wellbeing centres around Australia. This collection of veteran wellbeing centres is being developed collectively by DVA as a capability that was heralded by the Productivity Commission, "A Better Way to Support Veterans", 2019. 

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The Oasis Townsville's Homebase for the Veteran Community at The Village in Oonoonba was completed in May 2021. And we held our Grand Launch in October 2021.

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Over the next few years, it is our intention to continue to honour our veteran community and strengthen our connections to World War II. We will be laying a Path of Remembrance with pavers purchased by members of our Veteran Community and we will progressively name the PeeWee Huts after a diverse range of Northern Queenslanders who served our country in World War II.