By Sonia Isaacs
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has paid tribute to the state’s veterans and their families at a memorial dedication event at SMEAC Inc., a grassroots, veteran-led organisation in Landsborough, unveiling the organisation’s new memorial wall and committing to a statewide strategy aimed at better supporting those who have served.
Speaking at the ceremony on Wednesday, April 1, Mr Crisafulli described the emerging memorial precinct at Camp SMEAC as a “bloody amazing legacy”, praising the grassroots effort behind its creation.
The site features a remembrance walk circling Willows Walk, where plaques and QR codes link visitors to stories of historic battles, alongside the newly completed memorial wall and on-site facilities including a gym designed to support veterans’ wellbeing.
“it’s a bloody amazing legacy, it really is,” Mr Crisafulli said. “On the course of walking around two or three times I’ve had chills… remarkable.”
The Premier used the occasion to reflect on how Australia acknowledges military service, suggesting more could be done beyond traditional commemorations such as Anzac Day.
“I think if there’s a shortcoming we’ve had as a nation over many years, it’s that we’re proud Aussies and Anzac Day is one of those moments where we’re proud, but I’m not sure we pause and acknowledge as well as the US does in saying thanks for service to people every day,” he said.
Mr Crisafulli also revealed Queensland is finalising a new veterans and veterans’ families strategy, highlighting the scale of the community across the state.
“We’ve got the most veterans here, both current and former servicemen and women anywhere in the country, around 163,000,” he said. “We wanted to do it differently, so it’s a veterans and veterans family strategy, because service isn’t just one person. Service is a family.”
He said the strategy would focus on driving meaningful change, including investment in facilities like SMEAC and creating stronger pathways for veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
“I just think there’s so much capacity in men and women who have served who can put back, whether that’s through charity work, whether that’s through being in a classroom … we’re better as a nation if we tap into that.”
The Premier also acknowledged the scale of what had been achieved at Camp SMEAC with limited resources. “I’ve seen what you’ve done with a small amount of money. I’m mindful about what this would cost if you were doing it on a commercial scale. You’ve done it through blood, sweat and tears and great connections,” he said.
“If we don’t do things like this, we lose who we are… we should be so proud to be the state that calls so many veterans home.”
SMEAC co-founder Tim Cuming said hosting the Premier for the unveiling of the memorial wall was both an honour and an opportunity to highlight the organisation’s mission. “It’s great to have the Premier here to unveil the wall and get to see what we’re doing,” Mr Cuming said. “More importantly, we’re hoping they might offer a good bit of assistance and help us move on with the mission.”
He described the wall as a central feature of a broader, immersive remembrance experience. “The wall is our memorial wall, part of the remembrance walk,” he said. “Visitors can look at one of the posts with a QR code, follow through the walkway and it all connects – that’s our story, that’s where we go.”
Mr Cuming said the site was already resonating with visitors seeking a quieter, more personal place to reflect. “A lot of people don’t want to go into the cities,” he said. “This gives them somewhere they can come, connect and remember.”
The memorial will also serve as a focal point for SMEAC’s annual commemorative events honouring service, sacrifice and community.
Around 50 guests attended the ceremony, including representatives from local RSL sub-branches, the Veterans Women’s Network, and community members, alongside Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton and Member for Glass House Andrew Powell.
Located on the banks of Ewen Maddock Dam in Landsborough, Camp SMEAC opened in September 2024 and spans 50 hectares. The site has transformed a former disused school camp into a purpose-built hub supporting veterans and their families.
SMEAC aims to provide practical services and programs focused on integration, inclusion and long-term wellbeing. “It’s about offering real support – a hand up, not a handout,” Mr Cuming said.
With the unveiling of the memorial and growing political attention, SMEAC’s founders hope the project will continue to expand, ensuring veterans and their families have a dedicated place for connection, support and remembrance well into the future.
www.smeac.org.au
Photo: Sonia Isaacs