I rise today to acknowledge and give thanks to all veterans, veteran families and veteran support services in our great country, but a special thanks to those in Far North Queensland.
I am compelled to share their stories to share why we need to build a Legacy House in Far North Queensland.
Men and women who serve our country, too often when they come home, the battle does not end.
Far North Queensland is home to one of the largest veteran populations in Queensland — with more than 11,000 veterans living across the electorates of Leichhardt and Kennedy.
In fact, our state has the highest concentration of veterans in the country — we home nearly a third in our great state, and with it, unfortunately some of the most heartbreaking statistics.
On average, there have been three deaths of serving and ex-serving defence members by suicide every fortnight.
These are not just numbers — they are fathers, mothers, partners, children — lives lost, and families forever changed.
Mel who works with FNQ Legacy sadly knows this reality. Her husband took his own life eight years ago, a powerful reminder of why this work is essential.
The support veterans receive in our community is commendable. I want to mention the Stratford Bowls Club who host a once-a-month meeting for the TPI Association.
I also want to thank Michelle and Laurie Woods from Speewah Country Tavern for hosting regular veteran events, including their annual Anzac Day Dinner, an event I look forward to yearly that brings together over 100 dignitaries and veteran’s.
The Cairns RSL Subbranch led by President Nathan Shingles are responsible for many beautiful commemorative events throughout the year in Far North Queensland, from the Indigenous Veterans ceremony I recently attended, to ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, and Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
This is also the largest RSL Subbranch in the district, with over 700 members, 40 volunteers, and 3 incredible full-time staff members — a true testament to its enduring impact in the community and the vital role they play in supporting and connecting veterans across Far North Queensland.
Another incredible organisation is FNQ Legacy, who lead the way for veteran support in our region and the work they do is nothing short of inspiring.
Under the leadership of Alfie Santos, Rebecca, Mel and others before them, FNQ legacy have been serving our region for nearly 100 years, supporting over 300 beneficiaries — from war widows and young children to veterans with mental health challenges. I look forward to the FNQ Legacy fundraising Gala in June.
FNQ Legacy also founded the Legacy Links Program, the only program across the entire Legacy network that assists veterans and their families in transitioning from military to civilian life — a time when many are most vulnerable.
We as a community and as a government can do more to support our veterans and their families.
FNQ Legacy has developed a plan for their very own Legacy House, a visionary, shovel-ready project that will create a single, central location for veteran support services in our region.
The facility will include accommodation, wellness spaces, administration, and crisis support — all under one roof. This facility will save lives.
This is a proposal I wholeheartedly support for our community. It’s an investment in hope, dignity, and respect for those who have served.
To our veteran community in Far North Queensland, I am proud to support you as your member of Parliament, I am backing this project, and I will continue to fight for funding for you.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
