Thousands of veterans at risk as support hub The Oasis Townsville facing closure from lack of federal funding
A veterans support center in one of Australia’s biggest defense cities could close within months if it loses a vital support line by Christmas, putting thousands of veterans at risk.
Townsville’s flagship senior center, Oasis Townsville, located in North Queensland, supports thousands of current and former Australian Defense personnel and their families in Garrison City.
However, it is stated that the center may close by December if the federal government does not secure the financing pipeline.
Of Australia’s 17 veterans centres, Oasis Townsville is the only center without a guaranteed long-term funding partner.
The federal government has not outlined any funding plans for the organisation, despite the Royal Commission into Defense and Veteran Suicide confirming the value of Oasis Townsville.
Army veteran Angela Harper, former Queensland senate candidate for the Jacqui Lambie Network, said Oasis was one of the first veterans centers established in Australia and was already struggling with increasing demand for resources.
Without guaranteed financing, he said, he would face the risk of doors closing within a month.
“The closure will leave thousands of people without an accessible frontline support center in a region widely recognized as the beating heart of Australia’s military community,” Ms Harper said.
“Oasis Townsville has become a reliable, community-based gateway through the complex transition from military to civilian life and the many years that follow.
“The support helps them find jobs, find friends and find their future.”
Townsville is home to approximately 10,000 veterans and 5,500 service personnel.
In the city, Oasis currently has around 500 active customers, with more than 50 calling for support every month.
Another 1,000 veterans also use Oasis for social connections.
The usefulness of veterans’ centers was recognized by the Royal Commission in recommendation 86, which highlighted the need for ongoing operational funding for such outlets.
The federal government accepted this recommendation in principle.
NewsWire has contacted federal Minister of Veterans Affairs and Defense Personnel Matt Keogh for further comment.
Mr Keogh previously talked about the benefits of the center during a visit in 2022; While meeting the team the same year, he asked staff about employment services and referral pathways.
A state LNP government spokesperson told The Townsville Bulletin they would continue to support Oasis Townsville through budget commitments made in June.
“We have signed an agreement with Oasis under which the Crisafulli Government will provide $1.2 million over four years,” a spokesman told the newspaper.
Oasis Townsville is located on the historically significant site of the 13th World War II Australian Personnel Preparation Camp, connecting contemporary veterans care to the city’s military heritage.
It was established in 2018 following state and federal funding contributions.
Over the following years, The Oasis Townsville has evolved from a testing ground into a sustainable community gateway combining case management, care navigation and locally based community connections.
