I take a moment to thank you Alicia and Stephen for  advice and efforts on my behalf. In particular yourself. Without your knowledge and positivity I may have very well given up again.  At the risk of sounding mercenary, 15 / 16 years has passed and my motivation now, more than ever, is to ensure as best as possible  financial security for my wife.  Again thank you all.

Im very excited for this program to start. Ive actually been attending Townsville Archers for the last month, all thanks to Andrew (from Oasis). Townsville Archers are such a welcoming and extremely helpful group of people.

I would like to sincerely thank you for the use of your facilities at the Oasis Community Centre to hold our recent Information Session.

The facilities and venue were very impressive and more than adequately suited our use.

We are so grateful of the generosity by the Oasis Community Centre to give us the use of these facilities at no cost.

Thank you for the support given to the group and we look forward to working with you into the future.

My husband and I wish to thank you, Josh and everyone that was involved in organising and putting together the Oasis Market Saturday 12th November.  We had a beautiful day in beautiful surroundings. 
Thank you so much for allowing us to take part 🙏

I just wanted to let you and all the team at Oasis know how amazing you are! You have created such a welcoming and safe space. I was so grateful to have somewhere to go when work or the stress of transition we’re getting too much. Just to be able to sit at Dirty Boots and grab a coffee and chat to Indie or find a couch inside in the quiet to reset and take a breath made a huge difference. Thank you so much!”

Great coffee
Fantastic service
Awesome place

Great drinks with a friendly smile. Indy especially has a fantastic disposition to customer service. Thank you

I was completely shocked by the efficiency of the staff here. The service is outstanding. Many thanks for helping me.

The most amazing coffee and atmosphere. Recommend all veterans checking this place out.

I think Renee (the facilitator) made us all who attended the Workshop walk away feeling more confident in what to look for, how to apply and gave us key tips in writing for a grant.

Colleen Hann - NQ Sports Foundation

The dive activity was perfect. It allowed us to reset and relax for a couple days away from everything that was going on.  It allowed us to put aside what was going on and it also allowed us to process some new information.  What was also a standout for us was the people that attended, it was great to hang out with kindred spirits again.  Being with this motley group allowed us to relax even further as we could be just ourselves with no judgement.

Oasis Scuba Dive participant

We are learning lots about how to recruit veterans and the most important lesson is that all of those who attended the 1st Aurizon job prospect brief found out about it via the Oasis website. Thanks.

Great Work yesterday evening (Op Compass April Grant Preparation Workshop )…..the presentation and knowledge you both presented was second to none.

Helping people help themselves, is the way to go.

Steve Kersnovske

Awesome place for a catch up and coffee.

We had a young veteran commence with us as a driver a few weeks ago and we have found them a great worker and very easy for the team to get along with. It is clear they are settling into a job in civilian life but we are all keen to help them and am confident we can help them transition well. We are very grateful to The Oasis Townsville Employment team. 

Thank you for all of your support and the phone calls checking in on me through some of my hard times

The staff are amazing so friendy. I was amazed at what they have to offer. Too reading libraries, free computer ad wi fi table games such as chess etc. sewing and craft classes.

I must mention the Dirty Boots cafe's. Great service, great coffee and great food. I know that I will be a regular visitor.

It's not just the coffee, I'd say its also the environment.

I'm not one to strike up a conversation with strangers but everytime I go there I always seem to manage to have a good chat with someone different.

Friendliest staff and great coffee, they are always accommodating and listen to any issues you have.

GS (via Facebook)

I have lost several friends in the defence force to suicide and have said all along that a place like The Oasis is needed. 

There is a special place in heaven for all of you working at The Oasis Townsville for doing what you are doing.

I have toured Townsville's and other Cities' Coffee Shops and Dirty Boots does THE BEST Dirty (with Caffeine) Chai Latte i have tasted anywhere !

The shop is great and clean - I like the fact that it is quiet inside and out - most coffee shops are the nosiest places to the point you can't have a meeting or use soft voices because the coffee making is unnecessarily loud or the layout of the shop means people feel they need to shout!

Delicious light meal options, sensational coffee and hot drinks. Exceptional service ☆☆☆☆☆

Google Review 21 July 2021

I thank all the members and staff who helped me through the 4 days. I know that I was the weakest link, but it was the help and support who got me through it. Mick Roache (from Facebook)

It was a fantastic opportunity to do something positive for somebody else. I have come away with new mates and real sense of achievement.

The Oasis art has been an invaluable time. I've made friends, and am able to give back to others. <3

The feeling of doing something meaningful is key for me, knowing that I can do something, anything to make life a little easier as or more comfortable. That I can be effective.

Thank you for bringing such a loving addition to our community. The grounds look lovely and the coffee shop is exactly what we needed! It's a great hub to get to know our neighbours better! 

Thank you!

The impact that The Oasis Townsville has had on our household is immeasurable. For this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Testimonial left on the Website

I can highly recommend The Oasis Townsville Employment Services' to any ex-defence service person who would like some extra clout in their corner for promoting their desire to gain their next rewarding position of service in the Australian workforce.

The Oasis Townsville Employment Services have faithfully promoted my cause, most considerately provided me with valuable resume drafting advice, and have also delivered regular timely notice of employment opportunities that matched my work experiences, and current competencies. But the best aspect of their support, and guidance, was their keeping me in mind for the employment opportunity that I have now taken up as a casual, but full time, Trades Assistant with Australian Expedition Vehicles here in Townsville.

Being an intermediary for employers to Defence members was definitely the best aspect in my opinion. I understand it can be easy to become disheartened when job searching. After leaving a workplace where you are constantly surrounded on a day-to-day basis by people who you work with, play sports with, eat with, socialise with, it is quite a jarring to suddenly have all that disappear. The Oasis, it gave me some peace of mind knowing there is a team helping us along the way to find new employment.

​

One of my friends who was also transitioning out of Defence recommended that I get in touch with The Oasis and tell them about my situation. Within a couple of weeks, I had met with one of the advisers (Michelle), who helped me set up a meeting with the Director of The Oasis, David Kippin. He was very friendly and invited me for a tour of Dalle Cort Financial Services to get an insight into the day to day operations. The very day of my separation, The Oasis had me lined up with a job interview. Of which I found out a few weeks later, I was successful.

I found it very easy to apply online, I was then emailed by Paul who helped me get in contact with Michelle to chat with myself about fixing my resume. This was very helpful as there were many things I was unaware of adding to my resume.

I've been here a few times now and am super impressed with the way everyone wearing an Oasis shirt is so always friendly and helpful. 

Lovely little Cafe. First time here and I will certainly come back again with friends. Tucked away in a quiet street with lovely surroundings

I just want to say what an incredible business this is and let you know what a great job your staff do to help veterans. It is so appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you!!

I just wanted to let you and all the team at Oasis know how amazing you are! You have created such a welcoming and safe space. I was so grateful to have somewhere to go when work or the stress of transition we’re getting too much. Just to be able to sit at Dirty Boots and grab a coffee and chat to Indie or find a couch inside in the quiet to reset and take a breath made a huge difference. Thank you so much!

Coffee is fantastic, service is great! Such a good spot for the veteran community, I absolutely love what the cafes doing.

The coffee is incredible, I seriously cannot get enough of it! The open grill on garlic bread vego version needs to be a permanent item on menu as it is life changing.

Love you Dirty Boots xo

Great coffee! Great location! Friendly staff!

The help the other members from VBA have given me, getting us in and keeping us busy, has directly gone back into hiring more veterans. Just wanted to let you know. I really really really appreciate it.

As a currently incapacitated veteran, I do look forward to reading all the " OASIS " related general E-mail messages and Newsletters'... WELL DONE!

Eldon Bryant

The sewing and craft group has been a huge part of getting me out of the house and to meet some lovely supportive ladies. It was actually the only thing I left the house for other than appointments. I have not been able to make it as often this year due to anxiety and then being in a group at TPC which finishes in a week. I’m looking forward to connecting with the ladies again.

A great experience, fantastic opportunity to meet and talk with members of the defence community.

I think the shared experience on board the boat and under the water, without the distraction of technology really helps break down barriers and allows people to really get to know each other.  It was  great opportunity for some genuine social interaction. 

Scuba Diving Activity Participant May 2022

I transitioned from the Army late last year and had heard some great things about Oasis Townsville. I served a few years in Townsville and love the place so decided to come back to where veterans are appreciated and supported. Thanks, Oasis.

Excellent and informative brief that covered the spectrum of grant writing instilled me with the confidence & skills required to attempt a grant application. Group participation / interaction was fantastic which enhanced the overall presentation. [Operation Compass Grant Workshop - April]

Thank You for an informative, relaxed yet very professional workshop experience today , It was enjoyable, interactive and well worth the time.
[Operation Compass Grant Workshop - April]

I found the Saturday Morning Sewing Connections group to be extremely helpful as it was the only thing that I had that was just for me !! It was really good for my headspace.

The Oasis have also been pivotal in helping him to become employed through their employment coordinator who has not only been looking out for work for my husband, but my son too as an apprentice. Both have been successfully employed in ongoing and well paid employment since October 2021.

Testimonial from Website

The facilities provided at Oasis during our week long meeting event were exceptional. The space and people were welcoming and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. We will certainly be approaching Oasis again in the future.

The facilities provided at Oasis during our week long meeting event were exceptional. The space and people were welcoming and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. We will certainly be approaching Oasis again in the future.

I attended the meditation class last week run by the people from Gypsy’s Den. It was the first time I had tried meditation and I really enjoyed the experience. Hopefully you can run some more sessions in the future.

You guys are amazing! Amazing location and really friendly staff. Came in tonight for the pizza night, and it was awesome! Cannot rate you guys enough, have also had a really great breakfast here too. Love your work!!  KF (via Facebook)

The Service is always friendly and prompt - its nice to be greeted warmly - especially prior to being caffeinated!

“Thanks so much for the opportunity. I was hesitant because I didn’t know anyone. I’m really glad I put myself out of my comfort zone”

This is a great initiative with a fabulous cafe, free speedy wifi and just great feel under the rain trees. Love supporting such a great cause.

Thank you so much for a lovely Eggs Bene. The poached eggs were perfect! Coffee was great as well. Definitely will pop in next Saturday. Fingers crossed the local community will get behind “Dirty Boots Cafe at The Oasis Townsville” so that Saturday’s continue to be viable.

Copied from Facebook on 21 July 2021

Love the coffee here! Peta makes such a smooth coffee and the staff are so friendly. Even better to know it has a strong connection with Veterans and their transition. My new local!

Thank you so much for this morning, it was great meeting you both. Even after this first meeting I feel I have a little more confident moving forward. You are doing a great service.

My experience in dealing with The Oasis Townsville Employment Service was awesome, breath of fresh air, the opportunity to talk to somebody who understood your skill set, knowledge and experience.  The feedback on CVs especially.

The program was unique as it targeted us before discharge and helped prepare and assist, empower me to transition. I have met many more people in the community providing understanding and support for my future.

My advice is don’t be shy, Service Leavers are their own worst enemy, not wanting to ask for help, so reach out to your network, connect with The Oasis and embrace the process.

I was helped through the whole process feeling like I wasn’t alone and able to voice my concerns about sitting a job interview for the first time since joining defence. I was helped prepare for the interview and given ideas as to what questions I may have been asked. I found this very helpful!

The best aspect of how The Oasis helped me get a job was the speed of it all, from the positivity of the initial phone call, familiarity of speaking to another Ex-Serviceman who knew exactly what role would suit you.

I initially contacted Oasis in February of 2020 to engage them about prospective employment opportunities within Townsville. Very quickly, Paul referred me to Kellie from Redrock Recruiting for potential employment opportunities that were available to me. Although in the end, I secured employment through another avenue, Kellie continually communicated with me, and even gave me personal advice when deciding which employment opportunity to choose as I was given two options. Leaving the military is a big decision, full of unknowns, but knowing that I had not only a recruiting agency behind me, but the full support of the Oasis team in not only job hunting, but also in advocacy services for compensation and general support was definitely a weight off my shoulders.

My experience with The Oasis Townsville Employment Service has truly been a most welcome, and pleasant surprise. The team at The Oasis have been extraordinarily supportive of my desire to once again participate in our workforce.

My experience was very worthwhile, The Oasis in particular Paul, was very helpful in helping me gain employment. The best aspect was the communication from Paul, whenever he had an idea to run past me or to just check in...it’s great.

My advice to others is ...I wish I had known about The Oasis sooner...contact them as soon as you discharge.