Veterans call for support centre on Mid-North Coast

Veterans stirred by the tragic fall of their comrades are calling for a new facility to give those on the Mid-North Coast a place of solace and support.

Maclean RSL Sub-Branch president Steve Walton says testimonies given at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide should stir action on a new support hub for the region.

He and his counterparts want to close a 700km gap that Mid-North Coast veterans currently have to make to reach the nearest wellbeing centre.

It comes after the second round of royal commission hearings began in Sydney on Monday.

“We need to step up our game,” Mr Walton said.

“Every day mothers and fathers are coming forward to talk about sons and daughters and the support they needed which ultimately ended tragically.”

Sergeant Deasy, Maclean RSL Sub-Branch president Stephen Walton and Lt Colonel Geoff Orme in Kuwait in 2003 during the Iraq War.

His concern for younger veteran welfare was shared by Bellingen River RSL Sub-Branch president Rick Maunder.

“My personal observation is young men and women who are really enjoying their service and have to leave for medical or welfare reasons have been every unprepared for civilian life,” Mr Maunder said.

“Younger vets, particularly ones that don’t have the stability of a family environment, are falling off the perch and falling by the wayside.”

Both returned servicemen are part of a campaign to establish a veteran wellbeing centre in Coffs Harbour.

Veterans currently have to travel to Nowra, more than 700km south of Coffs Harbour, to access the closest wellbeing centre.

“Regional travel from here to Nowra has its own financial hoops and hurdles,” Mr Maunder said.

“If you haven’t got resources behind you are really behind the pump.”

Mr Walton and Mr Maunder say there are between 6000 and 7000 veterans and their dependants on the Mid-North Coast.

They say the centre would be a face-to-face one-stop shop where vets could access social support services including physical and mental health, advocacy, education and employment, housing, and financial assistance – all under one roof.

First announced in 2019, the Veteran Wellbeing Centres are available for veterans and their families too.

RSL NSW president Ray James, said the centre at Nowra was working and needed to be replicated at Coffs Harbour.

“RSL NSW is calling for this expanded commitment for one reason; we know veteran wellbeing centres work,” Mr James said.

“RSL NSW is prepared to invest significant resources in the roll out of the centres to areas of high demand - we just need the Commonwealth to come to the table.”

For help call Lifeline on 131 114 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.