Money to help younger ADF vets

THE Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch is continuing its key role as a place that’s bringing together ex-Australian Defence Force personal for more than just recounting of shared experiences.

To this end, members of the Ballarat Sub-Branch have received a contribution for just under $67,000 from the Federal Government’s Supporting Younger Veterans program.

Presented last week by the Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, some of the money will go towards the employment of a project officer within Centacare to work with organisations on bringing together stakeholders.

Ben Brooks is a former soldier who served eight years with 4th Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery.

He was injured on a training exercise in Queensland while preparing for deployment and subsequently medically discharged.

“All I’d ever done was physical type work and then suddenly I was out on my own with a crook back,” he said. “Finding work was very difficult.

“I was completely oblivious to the services that we’re available. It’s only been over the last few years that I’ve been in contact with the RSL that I’ve learned of the help that’s out there. The RSL have been wonderfully helpful to me and my family.”

Mr Brooks also urged other younger veterans, whether they were doing it tough through physical or mental health challenges or just looking to reconnect with peers and colleagues, to consider the options available and reach out.

“They defiantly need to get involved with the RSL, or any of the ex-service organisations, because there’s a wealth of help there for them which won’t be there soon for other ex-service personnel,” he said.

“If we don’t accept the help and then pick-up the torch so that we can help the next generations that come through, this just won’t be here soon.”

Returned service men and women can access Ballarat RSL’s support programs by getting in touch with the organisation.

The local Sub-branch has four pension officers who can assist in getting vets on the right path.

That path includes a suite of offerings created in partnership with Centacare.

“This grant enables us to… have some targeted activities, particularly around some social events to try and bring the younger veterans and their families in so we can then insure that they’ve got the awareness of what the services are that are out there,” Centacare’s Deanna Davis said.

“We’re very focused on families, partners and children, because we realise that sometimes younger veterans have been away… for a long period of time.”