Homebase for the Veteran Community in Townsville

On 27 Jun 2017, Jess Stephen Bird, a 32 year old Army veteran, was found deceased in his home in Saint Kilda. He was surrounded by his service medals, military equipment and documentation relating to his service history, mental health issues and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims. It was apparent that Jesse had taken his own life.

The coronial investigation identified that Jesse had a history of psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), associated with his service in the Army. Jesse's mental health had deteriorated in the years leading up to his death in the setting of financial and emotional stressors that were exacerbated by delays and difficulties he faced in claiming financial support and compensation from the VA for his service-related psychological injuries.