CHAIRMAN'S SUMMARY

The Grand Launch was an outstanding success and went exceptionally smoothly with over 2000 attendees. Operation NAVIGATOR preparations are going well and we expect to back brief workshop participants at a recall by the end of the year. Operation COMPASS has lit up again with the Department of Health committing to funding for a further year, although funds have not been forthcoming yet. We have some great stories from the veterans groups that received grants – Oasis Art was the stand out this month. We are also very grateful to the Army Rugby Union Old Boys for a further donation this year of $15k and a grant from the Morris Family Foundation of $20k to enhance our smartphone app. We've created an intro video to explain who we are, what we do and where it all came from, available on the home page of the website. Speaking of websites, it's undergone a facelift based on feedback and the need for more options for navigation. Check out the Testimonials Page. Don't forget our Christmas Craft Market and Townsville's Coolest Book Fair put on by Brothers N Books at Home Base on 27 November – we've already received massive book donations.  

HELP US GET THE COMMS RIGHT

Please add our email to your WHITE LIST and let us know at hello@theoasistownsville.org.au if this newsletter does not format correctly for you.

GOT AN IDEA?

• We are looking for ideas for activities we might conduct at or from our Home Base.
• We don't want to turn Home Base into an amusement parlour but acknowledge there are activities we could host that would make it feel more homely for the veterans, partners and family members of our veteran community.
• We've had men and women take a keen interest in the arts, craft and painting ideas with over 50 having expressed an interest in our emerging programs in these areas.  
• If you have an idea you think would work, let us know by completing this quick survey. We've included a few suggestions to get you started.

CAREER PATHWAYS

We have found a significant amount of work involved in coordinating the many organisations involved in assisting veterans and partners to find meaningful work. So to help we have moved Career Pathways to its own tab on the website and started our own job vacancy and other opportunities boards. 

We are also in the process of developing a chart of how our service is complementary to ADF Transitions so it makes it clear how we fit together in supporting transition. Watch out on the website for the chart. 

OASIS VIDEO INTRO

If you click nothing else on this email you MUST click this video. It is a great summary of who we are, and what we do. 

OASIS ART EXHIBITION

VIDEO RECAP OF THE GRAND LAUNCH

Have a look at this page for over 150 photos of the Grand Launch, including the Governor-General's message. 

WHAT'S ON
AT HOME BASE?