Vets’ barbecue creates connections

Relaxed catch-up: Attendees of a recent sausage sizzle, including Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, who had a chat to Vietnam veteran Trevor Anderson. Photo: SUPPLIED

THE Ballarat Veterans’ Assistance Centre’s fortnightly barbecues are uniting many corners of the community.

All residents are welcome at the Friday evening get-togethers where veterans young and old, members of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Ballarat, those from the local branch of the Totally & Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen & Women’s Association of Victoria, and their families and friends catch up.

BVAC president Greg Green said “all walks of ADF life” are encouraged to come along to create connections and seek support from the Centre, whether they have served or are serving in the army, navy or air force, or they’ve been members of allied forces.

“We’re not about solving the problems of the world, but we offer a place to sit, talk, relax and share our stories with people that understand and listen,” he said.

“They can network while they’re there, finding help and any resources they might need. We’ve got flyers that can link them to our sites, services, veterans’ advocates, and even medical services.”

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle dropped into one of the March sausage sizzles.

“Michaela is a fantastic supporter of the Veterans Centre and of veterans, who made a welcomed surprise visit… donating a hamper of goodies for the BVAC to raffle during the sausage sizzle on Friday the 26th of March,” Mr Green said.

The BVAC’s fortnightly barbecues are held between 5pm and 7pm every second Friday at 41 Barkly Street Ballarat. The next event is on Friday, 9 April.

The backyard of the BVAC will soon have a seven-by-six-metre terraced area, where a shed will be built, so barbecues can continue over winter.

Visit bvac.net.au or call on 4349 6339 for up-to-date information.