Murgon RSL Drop-In Centre delivers better advocacy services for veterans

July 4, 2021

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today officially opened the new Murgon RSL Drop-In Centre, delivering on his 2019 election commitment.

“When Trevor Williamson, then-president of the Murgon RSL Sub Branch, first approached me in 2019 about the need for a new place where veteran services could be delivered in Murgon, I was right on board,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I spoke with the Prime Minister’s office and secured a $450,000 commitment and here today that commitment has been turned into reality, giving veterans who have served our country a place of their own to socialise and receive assistance and support.”

Mr O’Brien said the centre, on Stephens Street near the Murgon Council office, would become a significant and well-used facility in Murgon where the local community can enjoy social activities with local and visiting veterans.

“This is a landmark project for Murgon that provides a safe and secure community facility, where veterans can access mental health and wellbeing support; receive assistance and advocacy services, and access IT facilities for veterans and the community to connect with their families and medical professionals,” Mr O’Brien said. 

The building can accommodate Welfare and Pensions Office staff, and features a kitchen and barbecue area, and a large meeting room with conference facilities which can be booked for use by community organisations.

“The centre will also house RSL Sub-Branch memorabilia and historic photo gallery, and informational displays so that school children will be able to learn about Australia’s Defence history, ensuring our Anzac legacy is remembered by future generations,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This drop-in centre was a key priority for me and the Coalition Government because veterans deserve our support, and this facility will provide a safe and comfortable place to help veterans who have served to protect our country and secure our freedom.

“Murgon RSL is experiencing rapid growth in membership, and the new Drop-In Centre will ensure the RSL Sub-Branch can deliver better welfare and advocacy services, and family-friendly social facilities, so that our veterans are looked after.”

The project created two ongoing part-time jobs as well as 40 jobs throughout its construction.

“Local contractors and trades were used wherever possible throughout the construction of this project, to keep the economic benefits of the investment in the Murgon community.”

The Australian Government provided $450,000 towards the project while the Returned and Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Murgon Sub-Branch provided the remaining $119,950.

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.

I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.