JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
22 October 2026
Veterans and their families are invited to Australia Zoo on Thursday, 22 October for the ninth annual Sunshine Coast Veterans Day, hosted by Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP in partnership with Australia Zoo.
Mr Wallace will be joined by special guest the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
The event brings Veteran organisations and support services together in one place, giving former and current Defence personnel and their families an opportunity to connect, seek advice and enjoy a complimentary day at the Zoo.
Fisher is home to nearly 6,000 people who have served or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force: 276 currently serving members, including 95 in regular service and 181 in the Reserves, and 5,691 people who previously served.
Mr Wallace, who created the Sunshine Coast Veterans Day, said the event was a chance to thank Veterans while making practical support easier to find.
“Our Veterans have served our country, and Sunshine Coast Veterans Day is one way our community can support them,” Mr Wallace said.
“It’s a day for Veterans and their families to spend time together, meet people who understand their experiences and connect with Ex-Service Organisations ready to help.
“I’m pleased Michael McCormack is joining us this year. He is passionate about Veterans’ wellbeing and has been a strong voice for those who have served.”
Mr McCormack said he was looking forward to meeting Sunshine Coast veterans and the organisations supporting them.
“The Sunshine Coast Veterans Dary shows our Veterans and their families that their service is valued, and that support is there when they need it,” Mr McCormack said.
“Events like this bring the Veteran community together and help turn the community’s gratitude into meaningful connections.”
Ex-Service Organisations attending this year include:
- Gympie RSL
- Homefront Australia
- Kedron-Wavell RSL Sub-Branch
- Lives Lived Well Veterans and Families Wellbeing Hub
- Mates4Mates
- Our Mateship
- Open Arms Brisbane
- Veterans Welfare Foundation (VWF), including Sunshine Coast Young Veterans (YVSC) and the Veterans Wellbeing Café (VWC)
- Veteran Business Community
- Avive Clinic Military-Related Trauma Recovery Program
Sunshine Coast Veterans Day will run from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm on Thursday, 22 October 2026, at Australia Zoo, 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah.
Mr Wallace expressed his gratitude to the Irwin family and all the team at Australia Zoo for partnering with him again for the 9th year.
Veterans can receive complimentary admission for themselves and one guest by presenting a Veteran Lapel Pin, White or Gold Veteran Card, or other official proof of service at the gate.
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| Andrew Wallace MP Media Contact: Brendan West Mobile | 0402 556 646 Email | Brendan.West@aph.gov.au | Australia Zoo Media Contact: Darren Gertler Mobile | (07) 5436 2021 Email | media@australiazoo.com.au |
