Victorian Veteran Advocacy Centre opening in Boronia

War veterans struggling with their mental health will receive welfare and financial assistance, food and fuel vouchers and help accessing government compensation at a new advocacy centre believed to be the first of its kind in Victoria.

Mick Quinn has started a new centre in Boronia to support war veterans. Picture: Stuart Milligan

A growing number of war veterans in desperate need of support will have access to vital services at a new centre in Boronia.

The Victorian Veteran Advocacy Centre on Boronia Rd is the passion project of army veteran Mick Quinn.

The centre, believed to be the first of it kind in Victoria, offers veterans welfare and financial help, food and fuel vouchers and guidance in navigating the often complex system of gaining compensation from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Mr Quinn, who has provided support to veterans for years from his own home and other makeshift locations, said it was fantastic to finally have a dedicated space.

Mick Quinn is determined to support war veterans. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Mr Quinn said proceeds from the Aussie Veterans op shop in Boronia Mall, run by more than 50 volunteers, provided the money to allow the centre to run.

He said a team of volunteers also worked at the advocacy centre.

Mr Quinn, who served in Cambodia in 1991-92, said most veterans the centre supported had completed operational service overseas post-1975 in a range of locations including Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor, Rwanda and the Solomon Islands.

“The need for support is growing; we can’t keep up with demand at this stage,” Mr Quinn said.

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He said a large number of veterans suffered mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and he was determined to help as many as he could.

“I’ve had mates fall by the wayside who have committed suicide, as well as others who didn’t get assistance or didn’t understand the process they were going through,” he said.

“It’s about mates looking after mates.

“If you’re a veteran in need of help please make contact.”

A room at the centre has been dedicated to veteran Jesse Bird, who committed suicide after the Department of Veterans’ Affairs rejected his permanent impairment claim.

Senior vice president of the Upwey-Belgrave RSL sub-branch Anthony Stewart praised Mr Quinn’s efforts.

“Mick has been absolutely amazing and everyone (at the centre) has been so much help, it’s unbelievable,” Mr Stewart said.

“We’ve got a lot of veterans and I can see it being a huge positive for the southeastern suburbs.”

The centre will be manned Wednesday to Saturday and by appointment.

Details: 9761 0468.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.