FROM WILDLIFE TO WELLBEING: WALLACE, CHESTER AND AUSTRALIA ZOO UNITE TO CELEBRATE VETERANS

MEDIA RELEASE 14 October 2025

Veterans and their families are invited to take advantage of a FREE ticket to Australia Zoo to celebrate the 8th Annual Sunshine Coast Veterans Day on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

Hosted in partnership with the Irwin family and Australia Zoo, the event will once again bring together ex-service organisations and veteran support services for a market day style welcome to honour those who have served.

Founder and Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, said Sunshine Coast Veterans Day had become an important tradition for one of the nation’s largest veteran communities.

“Australia’s veterans and defence personnel have given so much to protect our freedoms and secure our future. Sunshine Coast Veterans Day is about honouring their service, celebrating their contribution, and making sure they and their families are connected with the very best support services we have available,” Mr Wallace said.

Fisher is home to one of the largest veteran and Defence populations in Queensland, with 5,967 residents currently serving in the ADF, the 24th highest in the nation and 5,691 veterans, ranking Fisher 15th across all electorates. With the population surging from 130,000 in 2011 to nearly 170,000 today, more families, veterans and Defence personnel are choosing to call Fisher home.

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester MP, said he was proud to support the event.

“It’s important that as a community we come together to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our veterans and make sure they are aware of the help that is available to them and their families. Sunshine Coast Veterans Day is a great example of what can be achieved when local organisations, government and the community work together to show our gratitude and provide real support,” Mr Chester said.

This year’s event will see participation from a wide range of veteran organisations, including:

Gympie RSL Sub Branch
Kedron-Wavell Sub Branch RSL
RSL Queensland
RSL Sunshine Coast District
Homefront Australia
Lives Lived Well – Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub
Mates4Mates
Mates Ship – Wellness on the Water Buddy Up Australia Sunshine Coast
PTSD Dogs Australia
Veterans MMA
Open Arms Brisbane
SMEAC
Veterans Welfare Foundation (VWF)

Mr Wallace will be joined on the day by Hon. Darren Chester MP, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, with the program running from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Australia Zoo, 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah.

For free admission, veterans will need to present their Veteran Lapel Pin, White or Gold Veteran Card, or any other proof of service at the Zoo gate. An additional complimentary guest pass will also be available for each veteran.

[ENDS]

Andrew Wallace MP Media Contact: Brendan West Mobile | 0402 556 646 Email | Brendan.West@aph.gov.au