The Queensland Government is taking significant steps to support veterans and their families in Ipswich through the newly funded ‘Food4Heroes’ project.
With an investment of $820,400 from the latest State Budget, Wounded Heroes Australia will spearhead this initiative under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
The project aims to provide 30 job seekers, primarily ex-Australian Defence Force members and their families, with paid employment and the opportunity to earn a Certificate I in Hospitality.
Over the course of 20 weeks, participants will gain practical experience in the Ipswich Events & Entertainment Centre’s commercial kitchen, where they will prepare free meals for veterans in financial crisis or homelessness and low-cost meals for the local community.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Miles Government to address cost-of-living pressures and support vulnerable populations. In the Ipswich region alone, over $5.4 million in coal royalty funding will benefit 520 job seekers across 15 projects in priority areas.
Minister for Training and Skills Development and Member for Bundamba, Lance McCallum, highlighted the importance of the ‘Food4Heroes’ project.
“Under national cost-of-living pressures, we’re doing what matters for Ipswich,” he said.
“This project provides essential support to help individuals secure stable employment and improve their livelihoods, offering a beacon of hope and opportunity to the whole veteran community.”
Wounded Heroes Australia CEO, Kim Shaw, emphasised the dual benefits of the project.
“Participants will not only build work readiness skills and earn a Certificate I in Hospitality but also gain self-confidence and a sense of community,” he said.
“This initiative supports both the veteran and local community, providing free and low-cost meals to those in need.”
