Veteran wellbeing room opens

By Matt Romania

Taking a significant step in supporting the welfare of veterans, Bacchus Marsh RSL has established a purpose-built, accessible wellbeing room, funded by a generous grant of $30,000. This initiative embodies RSL’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the veteran community.

The wellbeing room is designed to serve multiple purposes. Its primary function is to guide veterans by connecting them to various programs that they might be unaware of. The assistance provided in this room is tailored to meet the frequent needs of veterans, including housing referrals, financial advice, and access to social services.

President of Bacchus Marsh RSL Mick Baxter told The Moorabool News the new room is “our avenue to support not only our veterans, but anyone in our community who needs us.”

“It’s confidential, non-compulsory, and it’s here to help our community be aware and access the assistance they need.”

The newly built and light-filled room is available not just to the 161 members of the Bacchus Marsh RSL, but also to the 500+ veterans in and around Bacchus Marsh. Regardless of whether they are RSL members, veterans can access this support. Their dependents, too, are welcome to seek assistance on their behalf.

Wellbeing support volunteer and Bacchus Marsh RSL Vice-President Sheila Freeman re-iterated the conversations that happen in the wellbeing room are strictly confidential, fostering a sense of trust and safety.

“We’re by no means counsellors, but we can offer assistance. It’s guidance and support to help steer veterans in the right direction.”

While the service isn’t intended as a substitute for professional counselling, it offers much-needed guidance to ensure veterans are not missing out on opportunities that are available for them. Sheila, with her background in financial counseling and emergency relief, can steer veterans and their dependents in the right direction, helping them navigate financial matters such as bills, relief grants, and more.

In terms of the grant that made this all possible, it was awarded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This funding, combined with the voluntary efforts of committed individuals at the RSL, underscores the power of community and financial support in making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans. The wellbeing room stands as a testament to this collaborative effort, as well as a beacon of hope for veterans in need.