The second apartment building refurbished to house Australian defence services veterans has been opened in Western Australia.
Named in honour of fallen Special Air Service Regiment Sergeant Matthew Locke, the Gina Rinehart-funded accommodation is in South Perth.
Sergeant Locke, who was awarded the Medal for Gallantry, completed SASR selection in 1997, and went on to excel in 15 specialist courses before posting to the 3rd SAS Squadron.
The complex now carrying his name follows the unveiling of Hancock Prospecting’s first accommodation centre for homeless veterans, the Ben Roberts-Smith buildings in Scarborough.
Tuesday’s opening ceremony in South Perth featured Sergeant Locke’s widow Leigh and son Keegan.
“He (Sergeant Locke) was pretty humble, but knowing his name is being used to help the veterans’ community, he would be stoked,” Keegan said.
“To have them living with dignity, a foothold to regroup, regather and move on is a great thing for them.”
The family applauded the generosity of Mrs Rinehart, who has committed $200 million to house veterans in need.
“Our veterans, some of our finest and most patriotic Australians, have sacrificed and even risked their all for our safety, like the greatly missed, Sergeant Locke, a Special Air Service hero,” Mrs Rinehart said.
“I’m pleased to be able to provide more accommodation for those veterans who require it and their families, and especially pleased, that the widow of Sergeant Locke, has agreed to have this building named to honour her husband.
“As Mrs Locke says, her husband always helped others, and she believes he would like to know, there is now this building named in his honour, which will continue to help the lives of many fine veterans.”
