An Oasis of help for retired heroes
THE Commander of the 3rd Brigade Brigadier Scott Winter’s appointment as the patron of The Oasis Townsville – a one- stop shop for ex- defence personnel and their families – has been hailed as crucial to its ongoing success.
The Oasis Townsville leader, Lieutenant General John Caligari ( Ret), said the appointment of the brigadier was “the one thing everyone was keen on”.
“It connects the 3rd Brigade to the veteran community,” he said. “It means The Oasis Townsville will have an influence in helping the transitioning of soldiers into the civil community in Townsville.
“That in itself is significant. It has the potential to save lives.”
Brigadier Winter said the facility had “unlimited potential”.
“It shows unity of effort from all those amazing organisations that provide so much community support,” he said. “What we are trying to build together is something greater than the sum of its parts.”
The Oasis Townsville will provide welfare support and employment transition services to ex- ADF personnel and their families.
The facility will be at the former Department of Primary Industries laboratory on the corner of Darter and Colvin streets, Oonoonba.
The State Government has pledged $ 4.3 million to the facility. Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke said the State Government was committed to supporting the city’s ex- Defence personnel.
Mr Caligari said most of the key ex- service organisation leaders attended a meeting yesterday at the Oonoonba facility.