Mackay veterans and MPs call for newly elected Labor government to uphold Hub for our Heroes promise.
The Labor government has been urged to uphold a $5m promise for Mackay veterans which will help thousands of returned service people across the region.
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Pressure is mounting for the federal government to uphold a $5 million commitment that was “locked in” for Mackay’s veteran community before Labor came into power.
Then Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced the funding during pre-election campaigning back in April, alongside the re-elected Capricornia MP Michelle Landry and newcomer to the Dawson seat, MP Andrew Willcox.
The $5 million, declared during the Hubs for Our Heroes Campaign, would bolster three veteran and first responder projects in the region.
This includes a revived club along the Mackay CBD riverfront, access to exercise physiology at the Memorial Swim Centre, and PTSD Frontline’s wellness centre at Kinchant Dam.
Mackay RSL sub-branch president Ken Higgins, who is spearheading the club, said he hoped the projects’ worthiness would sway Labor to publicly vow to honour the former Liberal government’s commitment.
“The developers are very anxious to keep moving ahead (with the club),” Mr Higgins said.
“It’s past the talk stage, we’re now at the design stage and working drawing stage.”
Mr Higgins said the sub-branch would dig into its own coffers if necessary to keep works afloat, to support the region’s 4000-odd veterans who had “renewed enthusiasm” to honour those who had sacrificed for their country.
He said fellow veteran, Solomon MP Luke Gosling, would vouch on the projects’ behalf, in camaraderie with Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert, Ms Landry and Mr Willcox.
Mr Willcox said he used his speech to parliament to urge the government to stand by veterans, first responders, and their families and “honour the ANZAC spirit”.
“There is an even greater need for veteran wellbeing centres in Mackay, which is a major regional centre,” Mr Willcox said.
“I’m looking forward to working with Mackay RSL president Ken Higgins and PTSD Frontline to get these centres up and running.
“The centres are about providing local solutions to local veteran issues.”
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