Australian Warfighter Coffee hosts pollies, veterans catch up
“Transition from the army to the civilian world was basically non existent.”This has become a statement heard by the vast majority of veterans, a longing to remain part of the “defence family” they no longer serve and instead are met with “no support”.
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“Transition from the army to the civilian world was basically non existent.”
This has become a statement heard by the vast majority of veterans, a longing to remain part of the “defence family” they no longer serve and instead are met with “no support”.
Retired Captain Noel Green served 45 years in the Army before reaching the compulsory retirement age and transitioning to civilian life.
“It was just like ‘seeya later and bye – thanks for your 45 odd years service’ and that’s it, end of story,” he said.
“As a 66 year old transitioning from defence and then reserve service into a civilian job was like ‘yeah good luck with that’.
“You’ve really got no support network.”
Mr Green met with Tasmania Senator and veterans advocate at the Australian Warfighter Coffee, opposite Lavarack Barracks, to raise underlying issues facing veterans, which he believes is a huge contributor to a concerning spike in suicides.
“With a veteran suicide rate up around about 600, is really, really sad.
“That’s why it’s up to the older guys like us to step and help these younger ones and explain that once you step outside those gates it’s about to get 10 times tougher unless you can connect with guys like us or others and have a chat.
“We’re just letting Jacqui (Lambie) know that some veterans just aren’t getting the support that is required and Townsville has this Oasis Hub as they call it and I know a few people involved in it but I still don’t know what it’s going to involve and what the purpose of it is.
“Is it going to continue to just be people at the top or is it going to be people on the ground level that know exactly what soldiers need and not what they think they need, what they actually need.”
Senator Lambie said she extended a request to the Oasis Townsville General Manager Retired Lieutenant General John Caligari to meet while in Townsville but had not been responded to.
Senator Lambie said she was “disgusted” the veterans support agency was closed over the Christmas period and not due to reopen until January 27, given it was “the most critical time for vulnerable veterans”.
The Oasis Townsville was contacted for comment.
If you need support, Open Arms offers Veterans & Families Counselling provides free and confidential support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.
Help is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 (international: +61 1800 011 046 or +61 8 8241 4546) or visit www.OpenArms.gov.au
Originally published as Australian Warfighter Coffee hosts pollies, veterans catch up
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