Cairns Marine Precinct

MR ENTSCH: Everybody loves a first, and that’s why it was great to recently announce, alongside defence minister, Peter Dutton, that Cairns would be the home for the first Defence regional maintenance centre. This is something I’ve been working towards now for quite a few years, and I’m proud to have delivered it for my…

Funding boost for Cairns organisations to further support veterans’ quality of life

Three Cairns organisations have been successful under the Morrison Government’s Veteran and Community Grants program. Veteran and Community Grants are for activities and services that improve the health and wellbeing of members of the veteran community. They can also fund programs that reduce social isolation, support carers and improve access to community services. Federal Leichhardt…

Consultation open for Royal Commission

Veterans and their families, ex-service organisations, states and territories, peak bodies and other interested stakeholders are being encouraged to provide their input for the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide announced this week. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said it was vital Cairns and Far North Queensland residents involved…

Cairns businesses to build new army watercraft

Two Far North Queensland businesses will build seven new watercrafts as part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to strengthening the Australian Army’s amphibious capability. The vessels, which will be built in Cairns, will assist Army amphibious operations and support systems. Tropical Reef Shipyards and BME NQ will manufacture the 7.5 metre vessels, and provide spares…

Boosting maritime capacity in the Pacific

The Morrison Government has awarded TAFE Queensland a $36 million contract to provide mariner training and support to the Navy crews of the Guardian-class Patrol Boats. The funding is being delivered as part of the Morrison Government’s $2 billion Pacific Maritime Security Program to strengthen maritime capability in the Pacific. Acting Minister for Defence Marise…

Grant to support defence community in Cairns

Australian Defence Force families who have provided essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic today received a funding boost under the government’s Family Support Funding Program. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said Little Diggers Community Centre would receive $8500 under the program which enables defence families to connect and interact with each other and the community…