Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin
Members of the Denmark RSL are calling on locals to help support a new returned veterans’ respite program.
Known as Albany At Ease, the initiative is designed to assist Australian Defence Force members and veterans who are experiencing mental and physical health challenges as a result of military service.
The program is the first of its kind in WA and provides veterans and their families with a respite package that includes free accommodation in Albany and a range of other items.
Referrals for participation in the program originate from various veteran support groups such as Veteran Central, Open Arms and the Jarrahdale Veteran Transition Centre.
Denmark RSL secretary Mark Davies said the veterans were likely to visit neighbouring towns and attractions during their respite stay in Albany.
“We’d love to welcome them to Denmark and show our gratitude for their service by providing some gift vouchers from local businesses,” Mark said.
The Denmark RSL recently donated $2000 towards covering the cost of Albany accommodation.
“This is a very important program and one that’s greatly needed,” Mark said.
“I know of six veterans from the Afghanistan conflict in various stages of distress but we believe there are more veterans in our community that we’re not aware of.
“We want people to know that we’re here to help and support any returning veterans experiencing diffi culties.
“We know it’s really hard to reach out for help when you’re depressed and struggling, especially when you live in a small community.”
Mark said that getting compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs could be a frustrating and soul-destroying process. A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that more than 1600 ADF members and veterans had taken their lives between 1997-2020.
Many more are living with serious mental and physical health challenges as a result of military service.
“The stories we hear are often all too familiar,” Mark said.
“They split up from their wife and family and their wife goes and marries another bloke and has a baby with him.
“Or he plans to meet up with a mate at an Anzac Day football match but his mate doesn’t show up.
“He’d hung himself the night before.”
The implementation of the Albany At Ease program in the Great Southern also aims to extend everyone’s gratitude for their service.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to thank our ADF members and veterans and assist them on their road to recovery,” Mark said.
Mark said At Ease was seeking gift vouchers from local businesses for including in welcome hampers. Vouchers for coffees, food and beverage, tourism activities, massages, gift shop items, even petrol would be appreciated.
Anyone who would like to be part of this initiative can contact the Albany At Ease coordinator, Veronique Derschow on 0410 503 682 or the Denmark RSL on 0448 481 066.
This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 20 July 2023.
