A new facility that will provide a ‘single front door’ to locate all services will throw its doors open to visitors from today (June 1).

The Oasis Townsville has taken up residence at a state-of-the-art facility, jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, in The Village in Oonoonba. The staff have been working tirelessly over the past month to move in and establish operations ahead of the official opening. The Oasis Townsville has relocated from its CBD office suite provided by the Townsville City Council to The Village.

Seven Huts make up The Oasis Townsville’s Veterans’ Home Base. Three of the huts provide space for meetings of associations, clubs, and groups involved in everything from monthly meetings to music. There is also a Veterans’ Lounge and Operations Centre in the main building. A hut is dedicated to the Wellbeing Program which is now in full swing. There is also a dog park for the training of assistance dogs and Dirty Boots Café.

The Oasis Chairman, General John Caligari, said the opening was the result of years of hard work and dedication by volunteers and staff and many others who have been on the long journey.
“This impressive facility is now open and operational, but it has taken significant effort and it is appropriate that we take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank all those who have been involved,” Caligari said.

“Along the journey, which began in the hearts and minds of some of the leaders in our veteran community over 10 years ago, to now opening the doors on our concierge service, there have been so many people involved. We have been particularly blessed by the support from volunteers who have the interests of the veteran community at heart.

“We are also grateful for the support of all three levels of government that have worked together to create The Oasis Townsville’s Home Base.

“But the hard work has just begun. Our staff and a strong network of devoted volunteers have been filling the library with donated books, booking the huts, moving in and setting up shop.
“We are now ready to welcome all current serving ADF veterans and veterans in the ex-ADF community and all their families and close friends to our Home Base.

This is a one-stop destination where they can find information about the services that will help them integrate and connect with the community. We will also focus specifically on the soldiers, sailors and aviators transitioning into the Townsville Community directly from their careers in the ADF.
“Importantly, it is also a place where they can come and feel welcome among friends and those with an experience of serving their country.

“This is a very exciting time for our organisation, and we can’t wait to welcome people to this fantastic facility.”

The Oasis is a charity with a charter of supporting the Veteran Community and their families in Townsville and the region. The Home Base provides a hub for all support organisations to engage with clients on key service areas including mental and physical health, education, housing, transportation, employment. Importantly, the Home Base is set up for creating and strengthening social connections.

The organisation will hold a grand opening event during Veterans Health Week later in the year.
For more information visit theoasistownsville.org.au

ENDS…

Media contact: Michael Baker: 0417 900 545