FNQ Legacy House One Step Closer Thanks to Our Community

I’m incredibly proud to share some wonderful news for our veteran community here in Far North Queensland, the Crisafulli Government has committed $1 million to kickstart construction of an FNQ Legacy House in Cairns.

This funding marks a huge step forward in making the dream of a dedicated support hub for veterans and their families a reality. The Far North Queensland Legacy House will provide vital services all under one roof — including mental health support, crisis accommodation, wellness spaces, and transition services.

It will also feature six accommodation units for veterans and their families who travel to Cairns to access support.

This project is particularly close to my heart. Earlier this year, I launched a petition calling for funding to build the Legacy House, and more than 1,000 locals added their voices in support. That overwhelming community backing sent a clear message — our veterans and their families deserve better access to the care and support they’ve earned.

Thanks to your signatures, stories, and advocacy, the message was heard loud and clear.

Queensland is home to the largest veteran population in Australia, with over 11,000 veterans living in the Cairns region alone. This purpose-built hub will make a real difference in their lives — providing a safe space for connection, care, and community.

The Cairns Regional Council has generously provided land in Smithfield for the project, and we’ll continue working closely with the Federal Government to secure the remaining funding needed to bring this vision to life.

I also want to acknowledge Far North Queensland Legacy President, Alfie Santos CSC, whose passion and leadership have driven this project from the beginning.

This funding is part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to deliver a fresh start for Queensland’s veterans. Alongside this, we’re developing the Queensland Veterans and Veterans’ Families Strategy, to ensure emerging needs are met and every veteran in our state feels supported.

To everyone who signed the petition, shared it, or spoke up — thank you. Together, we’ve taken a major step toward delivering the support our veterans and their families deserve.

This is what it looks like when our community stands together and makes change happen.