Wounded Heros Veteran Centre officially opens in Townsville, welcomes dozens on Remembrance Day

A new Townsville Veterans Centre has officially opened in Hyde Park, opening its doors to thousands of veterans and families across the region.

Wounded Heroes Veteran Centre Hyde Park. Picture: Evan Morgan

A new Townsville Veterans Centre has officially opened in Hyde Park, opening its doors to thousands of veterans and families across the region.

Wounded Heroes Veterans Centre celebrated its official opening last week with dozens of locals on Remembrance, including Lieutenant General Greg Bilton.

Centre president Martin Shaw said it had been “very humbling” to be welcomed to Townsville by a strong community of veterans.

“We’ve been going for nearly 19 years, so to come to Townsville and be so warmly welcomed by the Townsville community and having the support,” he said.

Mr Shaw said in the charity’s almost two decade history, it had supported more than 38,000 veterans and families across Australia, and hope to continue their work in North Queensland.

Wounded Heroes president Martin Shaw with Hyde Park store manager David McHenry. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Our charity looks after veterans and families in immediate financial crisis, homeless or at risk of homelessness, and family and domestic violence,” he said.

“We’re trying to make sure that veterans have a connection point here in Townsville and that they’re in a safe place.”

Centre manager and veteran David John McHenry spent 35 years in the army, and said he had loved seeing the community come together and connect at Wounded Heroes.

“We’re not only attracting veterans and service personnel, but we’re also attracting the community as a whole to come in,” he said.

“Townsville has been very, very generous with their donations, we couldn’t have asked for better support here.”

Originally published as Wounded Heros Veteran Centre officially opens in Townsville, welcomes dozens on Remembrance Day