RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

/ Mates4Mates Here for those impacted by service 89 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 Annual Highlights After the success of operating a range of social connection activities in 2020, the Interim Centre opened to a welcoming crowd. Since then, 2,786 social connections have been made between Northern Territory veterans and their families and Mates4Mates staff through small, social events like walks, coffee catch ups, fishing days, and stand-up paddle boarding. In August 2021, Mates4Mates and RSL Queensland announced changes to the Mates4Mates board which saw both organisations become aligned under one governance structure. As a result of this change, the Mates4Mates board stood down and handed the governance arrangements over to RSL Queensland. We thank each member of the Mates4Mates board for their dedication to the veteran community and their strategic leadership which leaves behind a crucial legacy. This change also saw the role of CEO no longer existing, and Troy Watson finished with Mates4Mates in October 2021. Troy has been a Mates4Mates continued passionate leader of the organisation since 2018, providing a compelling vision and unwavering commitment to supporting veterans in every way possible as they navigate their recovery and transition to a positive and fulfilling civilian life. We thank Troy for all that he has done for Mates4Mates, as we introduced the new role of Head of Mates4Mates to the organisation. The support offered to Mates4Mates through community fundraisers, partnerships and donations played a key role in 2021. This generosity allowed the team to continue to provide vital services to those who have served our country and their families. 2021 was an incredible year for Mates4Mates, with both staff and the Defence community working together to provide holistic support to achieve great outcomes for veterans and their families impacted by service. Emma Whitehead Head of Mates4Mates w mates4mates.org p 1300 4 MATES Delivering Impactful Veteran Outcomes "Mates4Mates services can be accessed through our Family Recovery Centres in North Queensland, South East Queensland, Tasmania and online, as well as our Interim Centre within the Northern Territory, and in outreach locations around Australia including our dedicated offices in Cairns, Ipswich and Launceston.” EMMA WHITEHEAD Head of Mates4Mates