June 9, 2026
The new Veterans and Community Centre in Kingaroy will be named after former Kingaroy-Memerambi RSL Sub-Branch president Don Davey OAM, who died earlier this year.
The honour was announced on Monday morning at a meeting between Sub-Branch officials and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and Premier David Crisafulli.
Sub-Branch president Barry Offer and secretary Steve Reynolds CSM briefed the two MPs in Kingaroy’s Memorial Park about the project, which has received substantial State Government support.
The building will be constructed on a vacant block of land, opposite Memorial Park in Haly Street, donated to the Sub-Branch by the South Burnett Regional Council.
The project is now just awaiting some final Council approvals.
The project received two grants in April under the State Government’s Honouring Our Veterans program:
- Major Capital Works Grants Program – $86,744.10
- Minor Capital Works Grants Program – $36,740.54
The smaller amount will be used to create various displays within the new centre.
Mrs Frecklington said the new centre would provide a lasting legacy for local veterans and their families.
“Our veterans have given so much in service to our nation, and this new centre will ensure they have a dedicated place in the South Burnett where they can access support, connect with others and reflect on their service,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“It is especially fitting that the facility will be known as the Don Davey OAM Memorial Veterans and Community Centre, recognising a man whose commitment to veterans and the wider South Burnett community has left an enduring mark on our region.
Mr Reynolds said the funding would strengthen support for local veterans and their families.
“We are honoured to receive this Queensland Government funding which will enable the new Kingaroy Veterans and Welfare Centre to be fully equipped with essential facilities, including display cases, library shelving, and storage, as well as driveways, a memorial garden and an outdoor covered respite area,” he said.
- Applications for the next round of the Honouring our Veterans grants program close on September 4. More information is available online
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