Cairns Legacy House one step closer with construction funding

Crisafulli Government is delivering $1 million to kick start construction of a Legacy House in Cairns.
New purpose-built hub will provide accommodation and support services for veterans and their families.
Commitment follows a petition by local MP Bree James, signed by more than 1,000 local residents.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future, and a fresh start for Queensland veterans.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering $1 million to support Far North Queensland Legacy to build a Legacy House in Cairns, to bring support services under one roof and improve the lives of veterans and their families.

It is one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering for Far North Queensland, with the support the veteran community deserves and a plan for Queensland’s future.

Far North Queensland Legacy House will offer mental health support, crisis accommodation and transition services, as well as wellness spaces and function areas.

The purpose-built hub will also feature six units for veterans and their families to stay when travelling to Cairns to access support.

The Crisafulli Government’s $1 million commitment comes after the Member for Barron River Bree James launched a petition to fight for the funding, securing over 1,000 signatures.

The support facility is Legacy’s first in the region and will be built in the Smithfield area on land provided by Cairns Regional Council, however funding from the Federal Government is also required for the project.

Queensland is home to the largest population of veterans in Australia with more than 8,000 living in the Cairns region.

The Crisafulli Government is also developing the Queensland Veterans and Veterans’ Families Strategy to identify emerging needs and boost support, with a public consultation session held in Cairns last month.

Premier and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.

“We are delivering a plan for Queensland’s future support for veterans and their families to access the help they need,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“The need for Legacy House in the Far North is clear – we're listening and delivering, because that’s what veterans and their families deserve.

“While we are delivering a plan for veterans, there is much more to be done to deliver for Queensland’s future, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”

Member for Barron River Bree James said the Crisafulli Government is delivering for Far North Queensland Legacy, to improve the future for veterans and their families.

“Veterans are the heroes who have given up so much for Queensland and their country, and now it’s time for us to give back with support that will make a real difference,” Ms James said.

“More than 1000 people signed the petition I launched to fight for this funding, and I'm proud the Crisafulli Government has listened and backed Legacy House, which will change the lives of veterans and their families in Far North Queensland.”

Far North Queensland Legacy President, Alfie Santos CSC welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s funding commitment.

“This funding means so much not only for our FNQ Legacy House project, but more importantly it recognises the many veteran families we have in the region who have sacrificed so much in support of our ADF members who protect our nation,” Mr Santos said.

“I am very grateful for the support of the Member for Barron River Bree James and to the Crisafulli Government for this amazing contribution.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Mel Wightman, 0434 391 038