The big news is we are very proud to say we have the backing of the Queensland Government for the recommencement of our award-winning Employment Program. We are grateful to the member businesses of the Veterans Business Alliance that have remained strong during this period of volatility in grants and sponsorships. We are seeing an increase in connection activities and participation in the evenings (60% of activity is out of core hours) at Homebase, often with more than 1,000 people attending each month, which has led us to recognise that we can earn a dollar from room hire. We make this space available to like-minded community groups and businesses to hire during the day. Some of the most popular connection activities will continue into the rest of the year as well. Banjos is going gangbusters, averaging over 100 veterans, with an increase in mini get-togethers for those connected by wars, corps, or units. The role of Operation COMPASS as the foundation of The Oasis Townsville is gaining prominence, with our lived expertise being sought by government and professional bodies. Sales of our EKO coffee are picking up and are available for purchase from the Main Building.

Our award-winning Employment Program has been backed by the Queensland Government for the last four years but ceased on 30 April at the end of the grant. The Premier and Minister for Veterans, David Crisafulli, and our local member and Assistant Minister for Veterans, Janelle Poole, were very supportive in getting this program back on its feet. When we are re-established, we intend to host a massive Career and Education Expo on the grounds of Homebase. Our Veterans Business Alliance members have been amazing in keeping us focused and supporting us through the gap.

Back on Track is going strong, and more activities are scheduled for July to support veterans. See the EOI in ONtarget. And while we are talking 4WD training, how about joining RAEMUS Rover’s Cobra 2025 Project to restore a 1980 Cobra Buggy? Blacksmithing has commenced at Homebase, it is very popular. School holidays are approaching, and we have activities for kids at Homebase. We’ve been busy supporting local veterans' activities such as the “Flan for Shan” community walk and consultations by Roses in the Ocean.

Banjos have taken off again. We’ve had a fantastic array of collaborators, beginning with Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) and supporters such as the 16th Aviation Brigade, AON Insurance (our provider) and the Women's Veterans Network Australia (WVNA). We are also grateful for the support of a veteran-owned business, “Morning Magpies’ for the coffee cart while we work to reopen Dirty Boots Cafe. All is in full swing every fortnight. Join us on Pension Week Friday (opposite to ADF Pay Week).

We are remodelling the VBA with the help of a new Steering Committee and trialling a new approach to connect veterans, partners, and employers. Veterans Business Alliance has partnered with AUKUS Jobs (soon to be renamed Skilliphy) to help veterans, partners, and employers connect more efficiently and effectively. It essentially eliminates the need for a resume/CV. We’ve found it particularly beneficial for veterans and partners who are not yet ready to transition but want to be prepared for when the time comes, often with little notice. It is also helpful for identifying what skills candidates are keen to learn, not just have in their ticket book, which is very helpful for employers. Our Veterans Business Alliance has already begun training and experimentation with the software.

Operation COMPASS has played a significant role in shaping our operations. This year, we’ve been honoured to receive bursaries that have allowed members of our team to attend key national gatherings. These include Roses in the Ocean’s Lived Experience of Suicide Summit in Brisbane, the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Perth, and soon, the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health Conference in Brisbane. Operation COMPASS is the foundation of The Oasis Townsville, ensuring we always keep our eye on the mission. We work very hard to find veterans and families a connection, a job and a future.

Hire a room and or buy our EKO Coffee Beans, as its support our operations.