Our Patron
Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier David McCammon DSM and Bar
Homebase for the Veteran Community in Townsville
1 Staging Camp Ave, Oonoonba. Drop-in M-F 0900-1500, after hours upon booking
All closed on W/E and public holidays, unless booked.
[for GPS apps you may have better luck with 20 Darter Street, Oonoonba until actual is recognised on all platforms]
Oasis Program(s):
Something to Look Forward to, Social Connection
I did not plan on being here for Christmas
While visiting Townsville, this veteran found themself displaced, homeless, unemployed and did not have a vehicle of their own. The veteran’s intent on visiting Townsville was to link in with a psychiatrist or psychologist to assist with paperwork for a mental health claim with DVA. The veteran had recently lost their child and their partner and were struggling with grief, as well as depression and PTSD.
A local Aboriginal artist and veteran became aware of this fellow veteran and Torres Strait Islander who was in a very bad way. He phoned The Oasis Townsville to advise he was bringing the veteran in. A meeting was arranged with a Planning Coordinator. We also engaged a Wellbeing Advocate from RSL QLD to meet with the veteran, given the level of support likely to be required.
The veteran met with our navigator and a representative form RSL QLD. A lot was discussed over two hours including housing, mental health support and financial assistance. The veteran admitted to not believing they would be alive come Christmas as they felt they were losing the battle with their mental health. A plan was put in place that included RSL QLD arranging emergency accommodation, our Planning Coordinator assisted the veteran by booking a GP appointment to get a psychologist and psychiatrist referral and one of the volunteers took the veteran to get a coffee and something to eat at Dirty Boots Cafe. RSL QLD secured a week of emergency accommodation for the veteran and Woolworths vouchers so they could shop for food and essentials. The veteran attended their GP appointment and received a referral to a psychiatric hospital, fully funded by DVA and within a week, was admitted.
Outcome
Over the coming weeks and months, The Oasis team kept in touch with the veteran while in care. The team agreed that the veteran was going from strength to strength and was a different person from when they first came in. The veteran has since participated in a documentary for the National Indigenous Australians Agency and is now looking into job opportunities. With an income stream from DVA, improving mental health and employment assistance from The Oasis Townsville, the veteran is excited for their new start in life after being discharged from care.