Gladstone veteran centre strengthens services

Veterans supporting veterans 

Gladstone veteran David Perry served in the Army from 1987 to 1990. After sustaining an injury during his service, he found himself lost in the process of seeking support. Years later, he took the life-changing step of contacting his local RSL Sub Branch.  

“About four years ago, I started coming to the Sub Branch for advocacy and wellbeing services, and they have been a fantastic help,” David says.  

Veteran Dave Perry at the Drop In Centre.

“I come in every Tuesday and Friday now. It’s a good culture in the RSL and really social, it’s 100% improved me.” 

David’s RSL experience has since inspired him to join their ranks. He is currently completing RSL Queensland’s Advocacy and Training Development Program and expects to finish his Level 2 qualifications in 2024. 

“The RSL has absolutely changed my life, and with the help I’ve received, I knew I had to give back. The difference RSL Queensland makes to its members is amazing,” David says. 

Throughout his involvement with his RSL community, David has also witnessed the positive change that has come with developing the region’s new Gladstone Veteran Drop-in Centre, which he describes as transformative for veterans in the region. 

“We’re the only drop-in centre between Mackay and Bundaberg, which is exceptional. Veterans living in regional areas like Gladstone, Biloela and Rockhampton now have an area close-by where they can come and do what they need to do to help themselves,” David says. 

Prioritising regional wellbeing 

Current serving Army Major and Gladstone RSL Sub Branch President Ed Dahlheimer has always believed that his local area needed a Veteran Drop-in Centre. The project began in 2019 during the search for the Sub Branch’s permanent premises. 

“When the original RSL folded, we moved into temporary buildings and that’s when the Drop-in Centre became a thing,” Ed explains. 

“Eventually, we partnered with the Bowls Club and were given a room downstairs, but it was too crowded. At that point, the idea grew to build a purpose-built facility with a couple of dedicated consultation rooms, so that the advocates could work in comfort and privacy.” 

Construction of the Veteran Drop-in Centre took almost four years, drawn out by the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain delays. As such, the team had to secure extra financial assistance from RSL Queensland’s Sub Branch Support Grants trial to fund the Centre’s new elevator, which Ed describes as crucial to the project’s completion. 

“Because of the extended duration of the Centre’s build and rising costs, the original funding grant wasn’t going to complete upstairs by a long shot, so the grant from RSL Queensland was pivotal in helping us provide access for veterans who can’t negotiate stairs,” Ed says. 

The Gladstone Veteran Drop-in Centre became operational in November 2023 and officially opened in April 2024. The new facilities are a game-changer for the Sub Branch and the communities they serve. 

Collaborating for a bright future 

Ed says that while the Gladstone RSL Sub Branch team had to work out of a small demountable office for four years during construction, the wait for their new home was well worth it. 

“The Centre has become a focal point for veterans to ask for assistance. Some days, there are veterans waiting out the door to see their advocates. Over the coming months, as word-of-mouth spreads, we expect more veterans coming in to get assistance,” Ed says. 

In addition to the RSL Sub Branch, one of the key benefits of the Centre is that veterans can access other ex-service organisations they would otherwise need to travel long distances to see.  

“Legacy operates in one office one to two days a week, along with Young Veterans. They're very connected with us in just about everything we do,” Ed says. 

“We are also connected with the Combined Services Group, which consists of the police, fire, ambulance, veterans and Defence. The group started up last year in Gladstone and we're going to start having meetings out of the Centre.” 

Overall, Ed is proud that this new facility in his hometown provides these essential services to improve regional veterans’ wellbeing. 

“I’ve always had a vision that we need to remember why the RSL was first created. I try to think why it was originally started: to support veterans, help each other through the difficult times and enjoy the good times together,” Ed explains. 

“I think that’s what we’ve created here in Gladstone.”  

Find out more 

The Gladstone Veteran Drop-in Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm. Find out more by emailing info@gladstone.rslqld.net.au or calling 07 4972 8372.