PHOTOS: Charity helps veterans prepare for ANZAC Day with inaugural wreath-making event

Mid North Coast veterans and their families took part in Solider On’s first ever wreath-making event at Arthouse Industries this month.

ANZAC Day is a particularly difficult time for war veterans and their families, but Soldier On Port Macquarie made things a little easier for those in the local community.

Last week, ahead of yesterday’s commemorations, Soldier On collaborated with Arthouse Industries to deliver a native vegetation wreath-making event for members of the support group.

Solider On attended Arthouse Industries for their first wreath-making class.

The class was the first of its kind for Soldier On Port Macquarie and, based on participant feedback, it could become an annual tradition for the group.

“I personally enjoyed the opportunity to be creative in a safe and supported environment, and to do this with my husband who also enjoyed the event,” one participant said.

“It was also not a lengthy class, but still a great way to enjoy a social evening without arriving home too late.

“This event inspired me to pick up some of the creative hobbies that I used to enjoy but didn’t make time for.”

In addition to helping participants create their own personalised wreaths to mark this year’s ANZAC Day, the event gave veterans and their families an opportunity to connect with other like-minded people who have experience similar hardships.

The local participants said they felt very comfortable welcomed throughout the night, and that the creative outlet was a great fit for the group.

“It was very therapeutic especially for my partner who is constantly in fight or flight mode,” one participant said.

“We would definitely do it again and are looking forward to other upcoming activities.”

Skye Petho, who led the class at Arthouse Industries, said it was great to have the Soldier On members in-store for another fun group activity.

“We run a lot of classes for Soldier On, but this is the first time we’ve made these contemporary wreaths,” she explained.

“Workshops like these are a good chance for participants to connect, and creative activities are also really good for your mental health, so these kinds of events are servicing a part of the community that I believe really deserves it.

“I love seeing community connect with creativity, and we’re so grateful for Solider On choosing to collaborate locally.”

“The natives used for the workshop are also local, with part of the materials found foraging and the remainder from retailers in town.”

The idea for the workshop came from a Soldier On participant, and the group’s programs officer Jody Geosits said she looks forward to doing it again.

“It’s my job to meet the wants and needs of our members,” she said.

“And Soldier On Port Macquarie’s main focus is participation in social activities and programs, so we’re thrilled to have been able to offer this event in the lead-up to ANZAC Day.”

Soldier On is Australia’s only national fully integrated and holistic support services provider for our Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families.