Coffee services partnership to help veterans in need

What started as a 10-minute meeting at the Townsville Meet the Buyer event in June has led to the Port entering a partnership with Wounded Heroes for the organisation to supply coffee beans across Port offices.

Port of Townsville Procurement and Contracts manager Lisa James said the initiative was part of an ongoing commitment to align with the Queensland Government’s Purposeful Public Procurement objectives.

“The change to Wounded Heroes coffee beans reflects the Queensland Government’s strong focus on supporting veteran-owned businesses, increasing opportunities for social enterprises and embedding broader economic and social outcomes into everyday procurement decisions,” she said.

“The transition has been seamless from an operational perspective, while also delivering a positive social outcome — a win for both our organisation and the broader community.

“Importantly, this procurement decision demonstrates that even routine, low-value purchases can play a role in delivering meaningful outcomes.

“Rather than viewing procurement as purely transactional, this approach reinforces the principle that every procurement decision is an opportunity to deliver broader value to the community.”

Wounded Heroes Australia president Martin Shaw said every bag of Wounded Heroes Coffee purchased helped Wounded Heroes continue providing immediate assistance to veterans and families in crisis.

“Unlike many support services, we receive no ongoing government funding for our emergency financial assistance, meaning partnerships like this directly contribute to keeping our financial crisis response operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.

“The Port of Townsville's support demonstrates how local organisations can make a tangible difference to the lives of veterans while supporting a social enterprise that reinvests every dollar back into the community. 

“This partnership not only helps fund vital services but also raises awareness of the challenges many veterans and families continue to face after service.

“We are extremely grateful to the Port of Townsville for its support and look forward to building a long-term partnership that benefits ADF, veterans, their families and the wider North Queensland community."

Photo caption L to R: Wounded Heroes Veteran Centre Manager Dave McHenry, Port of Townsville procurement and contracts manager Lisa James, Port of Townsville procurement officer Chantelle Daws, Wounded Heroes Australia president Martin Shaw and Port of Townsville procurement business partner Nicole Boxsell at the Wounded Heroes Veteran Centre café at Hyde Park.