The Oasis Townsville will close on 12 December this year without the operational funding recommended by the Royal Commission. We are deeply proud to have helped shape the national Veterans’ & Families’ Hubs network. Most importantly, we will work very hard to ensure those who depended on us are supported as best as can be arranged for after we have closed. We hope government funding will one day restore a hub in the most densely populated veteran community in Australia.

We sincerely appreciate the ongoing interest and support shown by our ONtarget community, which has grown to 2,500 subscribers. Your engagement has been vital to our work and our ability to support veterans and families in Townsville.

While we stand proud of what we have accomplished and remain resolute in our commitment, we must also be realistic about our future. Without the operational funding recommended by the Royal Commission, The Oasis Townsville cannot continue to operate as it has. The absence of this support means that the veteran community in Townsville stands to lose a vital, proven, and place-based support hub that has made a demonstrable difference in so many lives.

We remain hopeful that this closure is only temporary and that, within a few years, the Government will provide the funding outlined in Recommendation 86 to enable a Veterans’ and Families Hub in Townsville.

The Media Release published today can be found on our website (click or copy/paste this link):

https://www.theoasistownsville.org.au/media-release/catalyst-for-a-national-movement%E2%80%94now-faces-closure-without-operational-funding-

The key points below summarise the current situation at The Oasis Townsville.

• Resources versus demand
Demand for our services has grown beyond our capacity. Without immediate financial support, remaining funds will be needed to enable an orderly and dignified wind-up of operations.

• Built from Operation COMPASS
Our model was conceived and shaped by local veterans through Operation COMPASS from 2017 to 2022, guided by the philosophy “Prevention through Connection.” Our programs—Connections, Employment, and Plans—reflect the simple foundations of wellbeing: someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to. Referring people to the most appropriate and best services for veterans is our core purpose.

• Endorsed by veterans and the government
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recognised our model. Government processes have acknowledged the approach, and the veteran community has repeatedly endorsed place-based local solutions as essential to restoring trust.

• Funding under Recommendation 86 is delayed
Recurrent funding envisaged by Recommendation 86 will not be available until the Wellbeing Agency is established, which, according to the Minister’s 1-year update since the RCDVS Report, is not expected until late 2026. If we cannot operate a proper V&F Hub due to a lack of funding, we will step aside to allow others who can deliver to do so.

• The only unsupported hub in the network
Unlike the other 16 hubs, The Oasis Townsville operates independently without support from an RSL branch, Lives Lived Well, state government backing, or a DVA five-year contract tied to their capital investment.

• Proud of our measurable legacy
We helped shape the national hub network and hosted delegations from RSL branches, Lives Lived Well, and state government representatives who came to learn from our model. Independent analysis shows strong returns on investment for place-based prevention and support. Our work has reduced demand on the health system and informed broader policy and practice.

• Incredulous at the lack of place-based action
Townsville has a significant veteran and serving population. Yet investment in local, trust-building, place-based support has been lacking. Most funding for Royal Commission recommendations to date has gone to national structures and administrative tasks rather than to frontline, community-led hubs where trust must be rebuilt.

Next Steps

Our commitment to the community remains unwavering. As we navigate these challenging circumstances, the principles of dignity and transparency guide us, and a steadfast dedication to doing what is right for those we serve.

In the coming weeks, our focus will be on finalising our plans for the future. Should funding become available, we are prepared to continue our important work supporting veterans and their families. However, if further support does not materialise by 1 December, we will ensure an orderly and respectful wind-up of our operations. This process will be managed carefully to preserve the positive impact we have made, and we will archive our learnings and experiences so that future efforts in veteran support can benefit from our eight-year journey.

We deeply appreciate your ongoing interest in The Oasis Townsville and your support for local veterans. We have had hundreds of staff and volunteers working on our mission, devoted to this cause, achieving significant recognition for our model and contributing to the expansion of the national network of hubs across Australia. Connecting the network is the key.

We remain hopeful that both the Government and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will acknowledge the necessity for a dedicated hub in Townsville, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. We trust that this recognition, and the corresponding support, will be forthcoming soon, even if that’s not The Oasis Townsville.

#CheckYourMates