During the 1990’s I served as a Leopard Tank Crew Member at Puckapunyal, Victoria. Having been medically discharged after a training accident, I began the journey of dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs. At times these interactions were challenging and discouraging, lack of enthusiasm to pursue additional support or benefits a result.

Between 2007-2009 I was requested to provide Chaplaincy Services to an RSL in country Victoria. A role which provided opportunities to chat with veterans, officiate ceremonies and conduct funerals. Since 2019 I have been engaged with the City of Perth Sub Branch, enjoying once again the mateship that RSL Sub Branch life can bring, along with providing Chaplaincy support were needed.

In more recent years, I have begun investigating what options are available for assistance from the DVA. Seeking direction and assistance for options for guidance and assistance with physical and mental health issues is still challenging.

If you need assistance from an advocacy perspective, contact your State based RSL or your local RSL Sub-Branch.

Journeying through the darkness of anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be challenging. I have been there, and recovered. There is a time and a place for professional services. Whilst I cannot provide professional services in that area, I can provide an empathetic ear of someone whose been pulled out of the hole by both professional services and chatting with mates. Sometimes you just want mates to talk to about the issues or just to chat.

If you find that black dog attacks you out of nowhere, or are having ongoing issues with Anxiety, Depression or PTSD, and need your mates to help you out of the hole, shake off the black dog then I can help there too. I found ongoing self care through mates can be very rewarding.

Be assured, conversations are not motivated by proselytizing but to see you continue on your journey of life with the best possible outcomes for you. There is always hope, we just need to engage with it.

If you know of a need for a Veteran Funeral and/or Remembrance Service, to be conducted at the Grave-side, Chapels and Churches, Simon will work with your chosen Funeral Director to discuss the families needs and desires for the service, including Veterans recognition of service.