RSL hits out at Warhaven safety claims

RSL Queensland veteran services manager Robert Skoda has quashed claims that there had been several deaths at Cairns Warhaven facility and issues surrounding access for emergency services.

Mr Skoda said a lockbox containing a master key for emergency services to use to assist residents had been in place for many years.

He said there had also been “no deaths at Warhaven in the past 12 months”.

The clarification follows a meeting that was spearheaded by a Warhaven resident yesterday, aiming to have a key lockbox installed to improve safety for those living at the complex.

“We’ve got a master lockbox on site that we have co-ordinated with emergency services (ambulance),” Mr Skoda said.

“If they can’t get into a room they have a master code to get into the box. It’s been a standard process for many years.

“There have been several times where emergency services have used the master key system and it has worked successfully with the residents.”

Mr Skoda said Warhaven was a residence for veterans, war widows and people of the RSL community, of all ages with access to welfare support and various other support services available.

Resident Kahani Hawthorne said yesterday’s meeting was a success with about 15 people attending.

“For people living in the studio units they were really happy with it,” she said.

“My concern is the life of others.”

WE’VE GOT A MASTER LOCKBOX ON SITE ... COORDINATED WITH EMERGENCY SERVICES

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