TWO new facilities at Puckapunyal Military Area opened by Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite aim to enhance the living conditions of Australian Defence Force, ADF, members stationed at the base.
Mr Thistlethwaite opened the $39 million Puckapunyal Health and Wellbeing Centre and a $30 million accommodation facility during his visit to the base on Monday last week.
The wellbeing centre includes a gym with weights and a cardio area, a swimming pool and outdoor training areas, adding to existing community facilities on the base.
The new accommodation includes 111 single-living rooms across three buildings, modernising the living quarters of some of Puckapunyal’s residents.
Both projects include solar panels, high-performance insulation and energy-efficient glazing – all aimed at reducing the ADF’s environmental impact.
With Puckapunyal Military Area containing several Australian Army training schools, Mr Thistlethwaite said the Federal Government was demonstrating its commitment to ADF personnel and their families.
“I am pleased to attend the unveiling of the new Puckapunyal Health and Wellbeing Centre and live-in accommodation,” he said.
“Puckapunyal, a bustling Defence base, is where our personnel work, train and live. The new facilities offer an environment conducive to their growth as they serve our nation.
“The Puckapunyal projects implemented varied strategies like solar power and energy-efficient insulation, promising ongoing environmental benefits for the Defence estate and notable cost savings.
“This reflects our commitment to our personnel and responsible environmental management.”
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Fiona Stevens called the opening of the facilities ‘a great outcome’.
“Life in the Australian Defence Force can be challenging and a centre like this goes a long way to providing needed and critical support for the health and wellbeing of Defence personnel and their families,” she said.
“We hope the Federal Government will give equally important consideration to local veterans and their significant needs by strongly advocating for the Australian Army Tank Museum at Puckapunyal and the Community Wellbeing Hub in Seymour.
“This will bring deserving acknowledgment and support and will also provide opportunities for community reengagement and a purpose for those still struggling.”
