St Bart’sd CEO Sam Drury, patron Graham Edwards and chairman Mel Ashton.

VETERANS advocate and former federal MP Graham Edwards is turning his attention to homelessness, becoming the first patron for East Perth’s St Bart’s. 

Mr Edwards, a wounded Vietnam veteran, was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his advocacy for veterans and people with a disability. Labor MP for Cowan from 1998 to 2007, he’s also a former Stirling councillor, past president of the WA branch of the RSL, and was chair of the Australian Paralympic Committee for WA.

He’ll now be fighting for St Bart’s aims of providing accommodation and services for people who are homeless or going through mental health struggles. 

In a statement Mr Edwards said: “I am extremely excited and motivated by my appointment as St Bart‚Äôs patron. I have met with the dedicated crew who work for St Barts. Their level of commitment to the clients is inspirational.

“The board members are well qualified and professional in their approach to the issue and diligent in their pursuit of resolving homelessness in WA. 

I am keen to work with staff and the board in support of their endeavours.”