Veterans’ hub plans with architects Oasis design work starting

ARCHITECTS will start designing Townsville’s new $ 4.3 million veterans and families support service headquarters within weeks.

Plans shown to the Bulletin reveal The Oasis Townsville will include large spaces dedicated to socialisation and recreation.

The facility, to be housed at the former Department of Primary Industries laboratory in Darter St, Oonoonba, will provide welfare support and employment transition services to ex- ADF personnel and their families.

The plans show an oversized dining hall and cafe; a demo kitchen and a foyer.

Also included in the preliminary plans are spaces for a community garden, indoor and outdoor children’s areas and several consultation rooms with private waiting areas.

A designated outdoor area has been also included.

The Oasis Townsville lead- er, retired Lieutenant General John Caligari, said a meeting of all ex- service organisations was held at the Oonoonba site last week in which Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Scott Winter, was officially appointed as patron.

“It is a rare occasion to get the leadership of all the ex- service organisations together at the one place and time, to get involved in a brand new initiative,” he said.

“From this meeting an advisory body of the ex- service organisation community will be formed to be able to advise on the development of the Oasis Townsville.

“We want that one body to speak with one voice and tell us what is, in their experience and opinion, the best thing to do to develop the facility.”

Mr Caligari said the facility, to be completed late this year, would complement existing ex- service organisations.

“We have done the first stage of the functional design which will be turned into a brief for us to critique to ensure it has the right detail,” he said. “And then the architects will start designing the facility with floor plans this month.”

Mundingburra MP and Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said the State Government was committed to the delivery of The Oasis Townsville.

“My Department of Communities continues to work closely with retired Lieutenant General John Caligari in the development of a plan for the site, and significant progress is being made,” she said.

“Two design workshops have already been held in Townsville with architects, government staff and representatives from The Oasis, and a steering committee has been established.

“This is an exciting project for not only our defence personnel but the wider Townsville community, and I look forward to keeping locals updated on its progress over the coming months.”