Calls for better support for veterans ahead of Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide report

A young Brisbane woman who has missed out on having her father at major life milestones is hoping a royal commission will deliver better outcomes for defence families.

Mia Douglas with a photo of her father Kevin Douglas. Photo: Joseph Byford Photography

A young Brisbane woman who has missed out on having her father at major life milestones after he took his own life is hoping the upcoming findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will deliver better outcomes for defence families.

Mia Douglas lost her father Kevin Douglas, 34, suddenly when she was six years old on July 14, 2011.

Her father took his own life after serving for close to a decade, with his service including a deployment to East Timor.

While the now 19-year-old has blocked out a lot of memories from that time, she remembers her family receiving immediate support from fellow defence families on the day her father died.

“It was definitely difficult, it was really rough,” she said.

“Everyone that was in the street were all over at our house, while our mum was trying to figure everything out.

“We moved out of that house literally that day.”

Kevin Douglas with his family. Photo: Supplied

Mia, her mother and two siblings moved from Sydney to Brisbane for a new life, but it has not always been easy for her and the family.

“It was obviously disappointing for him not to be able to be here to see me all grown up and achieving things in life,” she said.

“When I graduated, went to formal, got into uni, I didn’t have Dad around for that.”

Ahead of the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide being handed down at the end of Legacy Week on September 9, Mia said she would like to see more support for veterans who are struggling with mental health.

“It’s really important, because mental health and suicide is something that was not talked about enough when I was younger, when all that stuff happened with my dad,” she said.

“I do know that he struggled with mental health throughout his time in defence.

Mia Douglas with a photo of her father Kevin Douglas and his service medals. Photo: Joseph Byford Photography

“It’s important to seek awareness around it, so other people aren’t afraid to speak up when they are struggling and know that if they are struggling, there are different things that we can do to help you, so then we don’t have more instances of suicide.”

Legacy Brisbane chief executive Brendan Cox said the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide report has been highly anticipated by ex-service organisations, military families and ADF personnel.

“This is a much-anticipated report,” Mr Cox said.

“We simply must do better and collaborate together as a community of care to support those families transitioning out of defence.”

With Legacy Week concluding on September 7, Mr Cox and Mia, a beneficiary of Legacy, are urging the community to support and donate to Legacy Brisbane, as the organisation upholds a promise made from one Digger to another to “look after the missus and kids”.

To make a donation, visit legacy.com.au/legacy-week

Legacy Brisbane chief executive Brendan Cox. Photo: Joseph Byford Photography