SLEEP- OUT TO AID VETS

P R E P A R A T I O N S a r e under way for Strand Park to be transformed into a tent city for a sleep- out to raise awareness of veterans who are homeless across Townsville and Australia.

Townsville- based charity Veterans Off The Streets Australia will host its second Community Sleepout as part of Veterans Health Week, which starts on October 21.

Veterans Off The Streets Australia managing director Floss Foster, who served in the Australian Army for 34 years, said they had capped the sleep- out at 250 and she was confident the community would roll out their swags in support.

“Being a garrison city, the Townsville community will show their support to veterans doing it tough,” she said.

The Community Sleepout event will include keynote speakers including retired Lieutenant General John Caligari, 3rd Brigade Brigadier Chris Fields, Commanding Officer No. 27 Squadron Phil Godfrey, Mayor Jenny Hill and Department of Veterans Affairs Queensland Deputy Commissioner Leanne Cameron.

The free community event will also include a Kokoda Walking Track Challenge, adaptive sports competitors and wheelchair basketball demonstrations, military displays, local veteran band, the DVets, and lots of things to entertain the kids like the mini obstacle course and jumping castle.

Ms Foster said local community service providers would be invited to provide information stands to showcase their organisation and how they could provide support for veterans.

To register for the sleepout go to www. votsa. org. au