Blacktown RSL sub-branch delivers care packages to war veterans amid lockdown

A Western Sydney RSL sub-branch is reaching out to vulnerable war heroes and widows across Sydney with care packages to keep them full and warm this lockdown.

The Australian Defence Force has been called in to help Western Sydney RSL’s mission to look out for veterans and war widows too proud to ask for help during the current lockdown.

Blacktown RSL sub-branch volunteers, including some in their 80s, are teaming up with the troops and hunger relief charity Foodbank to pack, co-ordinate and deliver care packages to hundreds of our vulnerable war heroes.

The last two weeks has seen over 200 care packages delivered across Sydney, containing food, clothes and blankets to prevent them from going cold and hungry.

Blacktown RSL Sub-Branch volunteers and members of the RNSWR at the Blacktown Army Reserve Depot with care packages. Picture: Justin Lloyd

War widow Mavis Melville with former veteran 6RAR John O'Brien from Blacktown RSL Sub-Branch, and Private Steven Greening. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“We had people who said they were doing it tough, so our members did a ring around,” said Blacktown RSL sub-branch President Bradley Lawless. “Some older people tend to be a bit proud. Some don’t turn their heater on all day because they’re frightened their electricity bills will be unaffordable,”

“That’s when we contacted local manufacturers and asked them to make jumpers, beanies and tracksuit pants that they’re more inclined to take. Foodbank has subsidised food packs so we can deliver that as well.”

More than 200 care packages have been distributed across Sydney. Picture: Justin Lloyd

In addition to delivering care packages, volunteers are reaching out to veterans and widows with contacts for mental health support, such as Anglicare, as there are concerns lockdown restrictions will isolate them further.

“During times of adversity and hardship, veterans come together to help others. This emergency drives the veteran community to come together in the sub-Branch and respond to any emergencies,” Mr Lawless said.

“Our most committed volunteers tend to be older, yet they’re the ones that have to be the most careful. I think a lot of them are seeing people falling through the cracks and that’s what keeps them going.

“Some of the older veterans rely on meeting up at a club and having a beer, and others rely on gym workouts and talking to each other. They’ve lost that connection and the ability to talk to people and debrief.”

Blacktown widow, and great-great-grandmother, Mavis Melville, 93, said the food packages allow her to shop lighter when she goes to the supermarkets once a fortnight to buy the essentials, such as fruit, vegetables and milk.

It has given her peace of mind knowing her pantry will be full of the staples, like pasta and rice, and she can enjoy the sweeter things in life, like tinned fruit salad.

“The RSL [sub-Branch] has been really good with the bags and boxes that have so much stuff in them. A lot of elderly people who are by themselves appreciate that. They’re very helpful,” Ms Melville said.

“They provide me with things I need. It’s good to know they are looking after all their old mates.”

Originally published as Blacktown RSL sub-branch delivers care packages to war veterans amid lockdown