Mackay Veteran Support Centre

08/10/2026

The war in Afghanistan began 25 years ago today. More than 40,000 Australians served in Afghanistan over two decades.

41 Australians were killed, while a number of others have also died as a direct result of their service. We also acknowledge those who have died since returning home as a consequence of their experiences. More than 260 were wounded in the conflict.

On the 25th anniversary of the start of the war, we honour the service of those who sacrificed so much to try and bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.

Lest We Forget.

If you need support, please contact Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046. They provide free and confidential counselling and support for current and former serving ADF members and their families.

06/10/2026

Tragic news out of the Top End today.

Another harsh reminder of the inherent dangers our ADF personnel face every day, even in training.

Rest easy, soldier. Deepest condolences and thoughts are with the family, the mates left behind, and the wider defence community.

Wishing a full and strong recovery to the five injured personnel.
Days like this hit hard right across the ADF and veteran community.

Please look out for each other, check in on your mates, and don't carry the weight alone.

Support is available 24/7 if you or someone you know needs to talk:

Defence Member and Family Helpline:
1800 624 608

Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL):
1800 628 036

Lifeline: 13 11 14

01/10/2026

We know this weekend is a big one, Kings Birthday, last weekend of the school holidays and how could I forget the NRL Grand Final but if you in the area of Bunnings Paget on Sunday, drop in for a Sausage and support Veterans in the Mackay District.

Bunnings Warehouse Australia

20/09/2026

It has been 27 years since INTERFET deployed to East Timor. When the local population voted for independence from Indonesia in 1999, violence erupted across the region with a brutality that shocked the world.

Pro-Indonesia militias killed thousands of civilians, destroyed entire communities and forced many more to flee their homes. Australia led the international force that restored stability, protected civilians and enabled the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance.

More than 5,000 members of the ADF served with INTERFET, making it Australia’s largest overseas military deployment since the Vietnam War. The mission succeeded in restoring peace and security, paving the way for East Timor, now Timor-Leste, to become an independent nation.

17/09/2026

VETERANS SAID SCRAP THE CAP. IT’S SCRAPPED.

Today the Government confirmed the proposed $5,000 allied health threshold is off the table.

This is a very welcome outcome. Now the focus must remain where it belongs: ensuring veterans can access the care they clinically need.

Well done to everyone who added their voice.

14/09/2026

19/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19Fu5Ed7Fe/

18/08/2026

Lest We Forget 🇦🇺

17/08/2026

Awesome article by our President Mr Les Palmer and Mackay and Whitsunday Life supporting Vietnam Veterans Day 2026 remembering all who served in Vietnam and the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17e8NjegnL/

🇦🇺 60 YEARS ON: REMEMBERING THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN

Mackay’s Vietnam veterans will gather at Jubilee Park on Tuesday, August 18, to mark 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan and honour those who served, were wounded and lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

The ceremony will include a parade, wreath-laying and poppy tribute, with the community welcome to attend.

📍 Jubilee Park
📅 Tuesday, August 18
⏰ 5pm

Read more here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/60-years-on-remembering-the-battle-of-long-tan

13/08/2026