Flood-affected veterans find new home

Veterans Brian Shute and Chris Warner

Brian Shute and Chris Warner might describe last year as one of their hardest, but the support of the Gympie and Murgon RSL Sub Branches meant the two veterans finished 2022 with brighter days ahead. 

Displaced during the Gympie floods and forced to live in a caravan, Brian and Chris had a hard time getting back on their feet. 

Chris says he hadn’t found himself in such dire straits before.  

“During the floods, a good Samaritan took in me and my dog. All I had with me was a bag of some papers,” he shares.  

“Having the unit has been amazing. It is flat, so easy for me to get around on my mobility scooter. Brian and I are still unpacking, really.” 

Murgon RSL Sub Branch President Kevin Gill says when a vacant unit became available in a veteran housing block, the District decided it would be perfect for Chris and Brian.  

“We all agreed that Chris and Brian both met the criteria to be able to be offered the unit and move in,” he says.  

“Their living arrangement in the caravan was fast becoming untenable. Chris also lost his car in the floods and couldn’t manage getting into town to do groceries and the like. They were 60km out of town, which isn’t possible to travel via his mobility scooter.”  

Together, both Sub Branches raised funds to set Chris and Brian up with new electricals and second-hand furniture to create their new home.  

“They moved in just before Remembrance Day and the accommodation is a couple of kilometres from town. They both have greater independence now being able to get into town to run errands,” Kevin shares. 

He says they’re also starting to come to community events, which is helping them feel a sense of belonging.  

A common situation across Queensland 

While Chris and Brian’s situation is unique, homelessness – particularly among ex-serving male veterans around 55 years of age – is one that RSL Queensland is seeing increase. 

RSL Queensland’s Veteran Homelessness Program (delivered in partnership with The Salvation Army) supports those veterans in the Wide Bay and Burnett region seeking help to find stable, permanent accommodation.

The program also links veterans with other RSL Queensland programs, including Department of Veterans’ Affairs advocacy and wellbeing, employment, and scholarship programs. 

Murgon is situated in Queensland’s South Burnett region – within the Wide Bay and Burnett District. In South Burnett, residential vacancy rates are dropping, making stable accommodation options even harder to find.  

Vacancy rates dropped from 0.3% during the June 2022 quarter to virtually no vacancies at 0.1% in the September 2022 quarter. A healthy vacancy rate is between 2.6 – 3.5%. 

Kevin shares there are still many people displaced after the floods.  

“We’re seeing many veterans in our District in need of suitable and stable accommodation after the severe weather events of 2022 or being unable to afford ongoing rental increases,” he says.  

“I’m thankful, in this instance, we were able to work with the Gympie Sub Branch to arrange accommodation for Chris and Brian that helps them get back on their feet.”  

Settling into a new home  

While they’re still settling in and getting used to being so close to everyday services like the supermarket and chemist, Chris says the Sub Branch is still there for them.  

“For example, they are trying to get a fall bracelet for me to help with my vertigo,” he says.  

“It’s okay to get help. Reach out; you don’t have to do it alone. It all works better and while it is new to me being a part of a community like this, it has been beautiful.”

Want to stay informed? Subscribe today and get the latest news, services, events and more direct to your email inbox.