After 19 years, Jimboomba’s Veterans' Support and Advocacy Service Australia (VSASA) have made the tough decision to cease their operations as they were unable to find an advocate for the service.
VSASA will give their remaining funds of $15,000 to the Jimboomba RSL sub-branch.
The sub-branch will also take over the use of Gaven Thurlow House.
There is a memorandum of understanding with the RSL sub-branch to keep one room for VSASA memorabilia.
VSASA have chosen to give a further $5,000 to the Jimboomba and districts cadet unit.
Members of both VSASA and the Jimboomba RSL sub-branch Jim Ritchie and Ray McCabbin said the members had to make a practical decision made about the future for the service.
Mr Ritchie said VSASA had been very successful in helping veterans and widows over the years and the members would have hated to see the building close.
“We now don’t have an advocate or pension and welfare officers so we have to finish up,” he said.
“We were answerable to Toowong and they covered the insurance and things.
“The support we gave here (over the years) was totally free.
“We had people like David Robbins OAM who would tackle anything and Gaven Thurlow OAM who arranged this building.
“We will always have this to come back to, this will always be opened.”
Mr McCabbin said he would like to thank everyone who has donated to VSASA over the years.
“The building will be an advantage to the RSL,” he said.
Mr McCabbin said the RSL would also be using the old pony club buildings hopefully for museum purposes.
Division 11 councillor Trevina Schwarz said most of the veterans were members of both groups prior to the decision to close VSASA.
“This is a great opportunity for the RSL and they will be most respectful to VSASA,” she said.
“Anyone that is in need from the armed forces or military forces will still be supported.”
VSASA had a farewell luncheon at Jimboomba House on June 18.
Official handover will be conducted on June 30.
