The Oasis Townsville advisory committee announced

The Palaszczuk Government has today (5 April) announced the creation of a new eight-member committee to help oversee the development of The Oasis Townsville (TOT) defence hub.

Minister for Communities and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O'Rourke welcomed the new committee who met for the very first time in Townsville, to oversee the establishment of a new hub for local ex-Australian Defence Force personnel.

“The Oasis Townsville will be the backbone organisation to tackle issues amongst our ex-service men and women which we should be all concerned about – social isolation, mental health, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“These are confronting issues, particularly when they are happening to community members who have served their country, and that is why I have long championed for the establishment of this vital new service.

“Today the Oasis takes another step towards reality, with the committee including members of the local defence force community along representatives of government agencies and local council.

“This committee will play a vital role by providing me with expert advice on the planning and delivery of this important project.

“This is an exciting phase for the TOT, and I’m really looking forward to working with this dedicated team to ensure current and retired service men and women – and their families – have access to a hub in the near future that meets their needs.

“More importantly, I want to make sure their transition from the Australian Defence Force and into civilian life is a smooth and pleasant one.”

The new members of The Oasis Townsville advisory committee are:

• Mr John Caligari, AO, DSC Lieutenant General (Retired)
• Cr Les Walker, Deputy Mayor, Townsville City Council
• Ms Sarah Molloy, Lieutenant Colonel, Senior Health Officer 3rd Brigade
• Ms Clare O’Connor, Acting Director-General, Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors
• Ms Anita Brooker, Director, The Oasis Townsville
• Ms Lynne Foster, Director, The Oasis Townsville
• Ms Leanne Cameron, Deputy Commissioner, Queensland Department of Veterans' Affairs (Commonwealth)
• Mr Paul Herd, Deputy Director-General, Major Projects and Property, Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to meeting the needs of ex-Australian Defence Force personnel, their families and the local Townsville community.

“With the advisory committee now in place, I’m delighted the TOT is one step closer to reality,” she said.

“This is a wonderful example of how this government is working hard to provide facilities to support the health and wellbeing of the defence force community.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389