Community open day to support our veterans

Published Wednesday, 25 September, 2019 at 01:50 PM

Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Assistant Minister of State
Ms Jennifer Howard

Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Ms Jennifer Howard has urged Queenslanders to support veterans and their families at next month’s Defence Veterans and Family Community Open Day hosted by the Bray Park-Strathpine RSL Sub Branch, north Brisbane.

Ms Howard said that the event on Saturday 26 October would provide a unique opportunity for the community to get together and show their appreciation for our veterans’ service.

“This will take place on the first day of Veterans’ Health Week, so I encourage the community to show their support for veterans and their families, and to recognise their service and sacrifice,” Ms Howard said.

“Queenslanders are proud of our veterans and the State is home to some of the largest defence force bases in the country.

“This is an opportunity for veterans, their families and the broader community to engage with organisations that support our current and former defence force personnel.”

The event is free to attend and will include military and emergency services displays, and a range of stalls staffed by ex-service organisations and community groups with established links to the veteran community.

One of the highlights will be a veterans’ football match with the newly formed Brisbane Veterans’ Rugby League Football Club, which has been welcomed into the local Brisbane Rugby League competition and aims to support young veterans to better integrate into civilian life following their transition from the Australian Defence Force.

“The Queensland Government is proud to support this fantastic event and is committed to ensuring our veterans are supported, and their great contribution and sacrifice are recognised,” Ms Howard said.

Queensland Government support for veterans includes the online Queensland Veterans’ Portal which provides a one-stop shop for veterans seeking information. The Queensland Government veterans’ employment pathway has supported 316 veterans to be successfully placed in roles in the Queensland public sector since the program began in July 2018.

The Defence Veterans and Family Community Open Day takes place on 26 October 2019 from 11.00am to 8.30pm at the Les Hughes Sporting Complex at Bray Park.

ENDS