Short/Medium Term
Accommodation
Centre

Whom do I contact?

Those in urgent need of accommodation should telephone Zac's Place house manager Tom Reynolds (07) 47736980 or the VVAA Office on (07) 4723 1377, phone/fax (07) 4723 0569.  Or email vvaatvl*austarnet.com.au

715 Ross River Road
Kirwan   Qld   4817

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 1654, Thuringowa, Qld 4817

vvaatvl*austarnet.com.au

Transport

Transport is provided at no cost to and from the airport, bus terminal, hospital and doctors during reasonable hours.  The nearest bus stop is located at The Willows Shopping Centre, less than 100 metres distance and an efficient taxi service operates in Townsville.

Advance bookings

Should you know in advance the date of your visit and that you and/or your family will require accommodation, advise the house manager in writing or by telephone seven [7] days before your visit, advising how many people require accommodation, and the duration of your proposed stay.

Donations

Zac's place relies on donations to enable the house to maintain its essential services to those in need and their families.  Your donation is vital to our continued existence.  If you wish to assist financially, please forward your cheque or money order to:
Zac's Place, P.O. Box 1654, Thuringowa, Qld 4817.
A receipt will be posted back to you.

Who can use the service?

The house is available for all veterans and their families, current serving Defence Force members and their families as well as members of other community charitable organisations.

Please note that all accommodation is subject to an interview with the house manager and, of course, availability.

What is Zac's Place?

It is a six bedroom house used as a short to medium term accommodation centre.  It was purchased through the Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia's Queensland Branch and the Angus House Policy Committee.

Zac's Place can accommodate up to fifteen (15) people, including family members, in an alcohol-free environment.

The house manager will ensure that you receive assistance from every available source.

Zac's Place is a non-profit, alcohol-free area which is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day to provide emergency accommodation.

It is situated in Kirwan, close to major shopping centres, bus services, cinema, banks, Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service and many other facilities.

Tariff

To ensure the service is self-supporting, a charge of $25.00 per night or $140.00 per person per week, including meals, will apply.

Facilities

Guests have the use of all facilities and resources of the house, including television, stereo, telephone (charges apply) and comfortable surroundings.  All guests must be self-sufficient in relation to their medical conditions, as there are no nursing facilities.

Other services at Zac's Place

• Office for the Townsville Branch of the Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia, which also offer assistance with welfare and pension matters for veterans, and
• The McGilp Centre, which offers social and vocational assistance such as computing  courses.

Who is Zac?

Zenon 'Zac' Jakiel was born on 22nd January 1952 in a migrant hostel in Townsville, the son of Polish refugees.  He was raised in Ballarat, Victoria, where he joined the Air Force Cadets and the Citizens' Military Forces.  He joined the Australian Army in January 1970 and served in South Vietnam from March 1971 with 557 Troop RAE.  After his discharge he settled in Townsville.

Zac served in several positions with the Townsville Sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans' Association, including Vice President and on the Fund-Raising Committee of the National Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra.  He was responsible for Townsville Sub-branch's contribution of over $60,000 to that cause.

Zac passed away at about 1:20pm on Saturday the 5th of September 1992, as the result of a massive heart attack, suffered while watching a football match with another Vietnam veteran.  A memorial service was held at Holy Spirit Church in Cranbrook at the same time as his funeral service in Ballarat and followed the same procedure.  More than 200 of Zac's friends attended this local service, attesting to his popularity in the community.

Zac's sister Christina attended the September meeting of the Association's Townsville Sub-branch, where she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Vietnam War Memorial Committee, which had been presented posthumously to Zac.

After the official opening of TEAC House on the 19th of September 1992, the Committee of the Townsville Sub-branch suggested that the TEAC be named "Zac's Place", in remembrance of a great friend to all, enemy of none.  Zac's slouch hat was laid at the opening of the Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra in 1992.