RSL Services Focus Magazine - Feb - Apr 23

RSL & SERVICES CLUBS ASSOCIATION

Mail us: PO Box 660, Freshwater NSW 2096

Contact us: 0407 678 783

Email: kyliegordon@rslservicesclubs.com.au

RSLSERVICESCLUBS.COM.AU

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CEO

Margot Smith

Chairman

Dean Thomas CHP RSL

Directors

Jeff Caldbeck

John Rafferty

Michael Brennan

Patsy Edwards

Glenn Cushion

MEDIA Editor Brad Smith

Designer

Diana Cascione

Daily Press

Printing Daily Press

Chairman’s Message

DEAN THOMAS

“Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism. It is the belief that problems can be solved; differences resolved. It is a type of confidence. And it is fragile” –Bernard

Beckett

In recent conversations with industry friends and colleagues the prevailing emotion I sense is one of frustration. Frustration at a narrative that assumes our organisations are opposed to change and reform and that we have no understanding of what our communities expect of us; frustration at an attempt to create a conventional wisdom which says we are unaware of our obligations to provide safe Club environments. I can understand this frustration, because this is not the RSL & Services Club sector that I know.

One sign of a good leader is the ability to face uncertainty with resolve.

So, if there’s any good that’s to come of this landscape we find ourselves in, it’s that we’re about to go through a period of significant learning. The time for reflection will come, when we explore what we could have done differently over the last few years to guard against an environment like this again. For now, let’s come together to stand firm on what we believe in and make the most of the industry developments as they unfold.

Our best chance of sensible and measured gambling reform which puts people at the very centre of the issue, is by informing those who have been misinformed in the past.

In the immediate future, you should do your best to articulate to politicians, staff, members, community partners - your RG and AML programs as well as your commitment to community on so many levels.

We have faced adversity before and we will face adversity again. When I think about the industry and the collective knowledge, I am comforted that we have the expertise we need to navigate these changes together, whatever they end up being.

The path may not be of our choosing, but we will put our stamp on the roadmap and use our voices and our intellect to affect change in a positive way as best we can.

If we have learnt anything from the last few years, it’s that we are resilient, resourceful and rational. Let’s rally to get the best outcomes for our industry. Some of those might be technological – but many of those will be cultural. We are the clubs where people want to work, play and stay. The atmosphere we are projecting at the moment and into the coming months is critical – show your teams how it’s done –lead by example and remain open-minded, curious and upbeat about what lies ahead. Our staff, members, community partners and stakeholders can look forward to our best effort.

In my experience, RSL and Services Clubs in NSW see their existence not as a right but as a privilege and we are ready to respond and evolve along with our communities.

DEAN THOMAS Chairman

Have your say

If you would like to respond to an article, recommend a contributor or even share information please contact the editor of ‘Focus’.

EMAIL THE EDITOR bradsmith@rslservicesclubs.com.au

We invite any information from outside our sector and our industry, to contribute new ideas and approaches to the challenges we face. Please make sure you provide your name, email address and contact phone number so we can get in touch with you!

FOCUS IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO VIEW ON YOUR PHONE, TABLET OR COMPUTER! VISIT RSLSERVICESCLUBS.COM.AU FOR MORE INFORMATION

As an Association, it’s been a strange quarter. We’ve tried to provide clarity and simplicity in a noisy environment, and we’ve been advocating for the best interests of our industry.

In meetings with various stakeholders it’s clear that there is confusion about what digital gaming might look likeand what is even possible in the immediate future. It’s one of those scenarios where we will need to ‘build the plane while we’re flying’.

How we negotiate and influence over the coming months is important - and the stories we tell ourselves and each other must be open minded and innovative. We need to be talking with all sides of politics to have crucial conversations about gambling reform.

From a thought leadership perspective, we will hold the Gaming & Leadership Conference on 8 & 9 June in Sydney for club managers and staff. We will also deliver our Annual Conference at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne from 27-30 August.

In addition, we were successful in our application from Women in Hospitality & Gaming Australasia for a grant to deliver a Women’s Leadership Roundtable Series and Mentoring Program.

In line with our purpose, Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge applications close in April, so be sure to touch base with Brad if you want to send along a young local or a team member. March has also seen us launch our Snores for a Cause campaign which is about adopting healthy sleep habits while raising funds for veterans and their families, for the Veterans Benevolent Fund. There is still time to donate www.snoresforacause.com.au

In late February a delegation of 30 Club representatives from many of the AWM Last Post Ceremony Sponsor Clubs visited Canberra in a Tour organised by the Association to thank these Clubs for their support.

The delegation spent an afternoon at the Australian War Memorial, inspecting the storage facilities where new pieces that have never been seen before will be on display once the AWM expansion is finished, as well as attending the Last Post Ceremony that day. Thank you to Leanne Kyle, Managing Director of Defence Community Dogs who organised Steve and Mocha to pay everyone a visit so they could learn more about the program.

The next morning was spent at the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex at Tidbinbilla, where delegates heard about Australia’s important role in deep space exploration.

The RSL & Services Clubs Association, in partnership with RSL Victoria and QLD, have funded the operation and online broadcast of the Last Post Ceremony at the daily close of the Australian War Memorial since 2013 until the end of 2022. From 2023 this will now be proudly supported by the RSL & Services Clubs Association and RSL Australia.

This Agreement is now up for renewal and our Association is seeking three year commitments from member clubs to enable this important service to continue.

We have been working with RSL NSW and ClubsNSW on how we can lead in the veterans engagement space and collaborate for effective outcomes. In advance of Anzac Day, think about what you can do to create ongoing connection with current and former serving personnel with your club or group, or with our colleagues at RSL NSW.

Keep an eye out for upcoming webinars for more topical updates from the RSL&SCA. And please get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions.

Margot Smith, CEO

The vision of the RSL & Services Clubs Association is ‘To inspire and unite communities by recognising veterans’ service.’ For this reason we have been supporting programs such as Homes for Heroes and Operation Care for years, and in the last five years we started the Veterans Benevolent Fund.

As a way to bring our vision to life, we have launched our first fundraising ‘month’, Snores for a Cause. Like Steptember or Movember, you do a ‘thing’ over the month and raise money for a worthwhile cause. Snores for a Cause is about developing healthy sleep habits over the month of March and raising funds for veterans and their families.

We feel strongly that the wellbeing of veterans and their families should be on the minds of every Australian and that’s why we’re launching a ‘month’ to shine a light on those who sacrifice so much for our freedoms.

What is Snores for a Cause?

Throughout the month of March, Aussies are being challenged to become super sleepers, by adopting better sleeping habits for their own wellbeing and to raise money for Veterans’ charities. Snores for a Cause teaches participants about healthy sleep habits, to get a better nights’ sleep for them and their family.

CEO of Veterans mental health charity Swiss 8 and Snores for a Cause Ambassador, Adrian Sutter, said getting a solid nights’ sleep is the highest priority for many veterans striving

at improving our sleep habits, while raising money for a worthwhile cause”.

Swiss 8 is a health promotion charity, using experience of combat veterans to create tools that assist everyone in building a healthy, high-performing lifestyle. Sleep is the most important of the eight pillars of health in Swiss 8’s proven measure for holistic wellbeing. Disrupted or poor sleep is a problem millions of other Australians are facing, often without realising.

“With devices by our sides 24/7, leading busier and busier lives, many of us have developed poor sleeping habits. 40% of Australian adults experience some form of inadequate sleep,” said Moira Junge, CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation.

“Many parents are quite rightly worried about their children’s sleep habits. A quarter of kids aged 12-15 aren’t getting the recommended 8-10 hours sleep a night, most only getting around 6.5-7.5 hours. This can lead to more than just a grumpy teenager. Chronic sleep deprivation can have affect teenagers’ mental wellbeing and reduce their academic performance at school,”

A challenge to embrace better sleeping habits and support veterans and their families

“Fundraise as individuals or fundraise as a group and all you have to do is sleep – no training required for this challenge!” said Ms Smith. Visit www.snoresforacause.com.au to donate today. All funds raised get distributed via the VBF.

Geoff Evans CEO of Disaster Relief Australia said “Veteran wellbeing is something that we at Disaster Relief Australia are huge advocates of. Sleep is the bedrock of wellbeing and sleep disturbances can be a particular risk for veterans. Snores for a Cause is an opportunity for all of us to focus on healthy sleep habits while raising funds for veterans and their families.”

“Clubs are at the heart of their communities, especially during times of disaster. Clubs have been one of DRA’s strongest supporters since our inception and have enabled us to deliver help and hope to hundreds of communities in the wake major disasters. They have also provided significant support to veterans both directly and indirectly through the Veterans Benevolent Fund. It is a long-standing partnership that we are very proud of”.

Clubs4Clubs have already been a big supporter as have a number of individual clubs and corporate partners - as

usual supporting worthy causes in a significant way. In future we would like to see deep engagement with schools, community groups, and broader stakeholders. We'd love you to get behind it to shine a light on this important area for our industry.

Amid a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide, there is a need to put a conversation about the wellbeing of veterans and their families in every household. Snores for a Cause is about healthy sleep habits for every household, but it’s also about keeping our valued veterans in our hearts and in our minds for the month of March and beyond.

There are many veterans doing well, but for those that aren’t we need effective ways to support them and their families.

The month has generated a great deal of awareness, but has launched in a noisy month amid an election campaign. The aim is for this to be an annual campaign that serves as a platform to highlight the importance of veterans and their families.

Get Ready for Take-off with IGT

The Australasian Hospitality & Gaming Expo (AHG) is set to return to the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre on March 22 & 23, 2023.

In its ninth year, AHG plays host to around 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest in all things hospitality and gaming including industry suppliers and supporters, IGT.

IGT is ready for take-off at this year’s Expo, with a portfolio of new games - including a new take on IGT player-favourite JetSetter® - teamed with the latest updates in the systems and services solution space. All of which are designed to heighten player entertainment, customer loyalty and revenues.

Akey highlight will be JetSetter Gold™. Taking this popular IGT game theme to new heights, JetSetter Gold offers a unique playing experience while still embracing the JetSetter that players know and love. With new augmented interactive animated features, a frequent feature hit rate and exciting prize opportunities in the base game, JetSetter Gold will ‘fly’ players to four famous destinations around the world –Sydney, Paris, New York and Tokyo.

Accompanying this new series, will be a suite of new IGT standalone and link games including:

• Light It Up™ – recently released as a Link and SAP with three game titles – the fourth game, Wings Over Paradise with its brand new free games feature, will be unveiled at the show. Combining Hold ‘n’ Spin with traditional symbol reveal and line wins, Light It Up offers a mix of volatility levels, game features and striking art themes designed to deliver wide player appeal.

• Lucky Gong™ Link – this latest link family for IGT’s CrystalCurve-i® cabinet, offers two Asian themed game titles – Crimson Flower and Mystical Emperor - and the same supersized hold and spin feature as IGT’s popular GO! for Grand™ series, where four playable windows are unlocked for more chances to win. These familiar mechanics have been enhanced further with the addition of new features and an extra SAP jackpot level.

• Outgrow – a proven performer in both Link and SAP versions, Outgrow now features four games with the latest addition to this series, Arctic Moon, to be showcased at AHG. With individual re-spin features for each game, a unique second chance feature and an exciting growing, locking and sticky WILD mechanic, Outgrow offers variety and entertainment.

IGT’s Systems team will present the latest innovations for ADVANTAGE CLUB® – including market-leading player interface, Service Window, along with the most recent tool and app additions – designed to provide a frictionless customer experience and grow loyalty, efficiency and performance across a venue’s gaming floor.

The team will also provide the most current updates on key developments in the digital wallet / cashless solutions space – topical for not only NSW venues but all venue operators in relation to further reaching potential requirements for the future.

IGT’s head of marketing for APAC, Lisa Colella, commented: “We’re looking forward to welcoming customers to AHG 2023 to showcase our latest solutions for games, systems and services. designed to provide our customers with the new innovations, variety, support and flexibility needed for today’s business environment and growth. Please drop by and enjoy some IGT hospitality while experiencing what’s new from IGT.”

After its successful launch in 2022, the RSL & Services Clubs Association is excited to offer our Mentoring Program again in 2023. If you have been thinking about how to boost your leadership skills, increase your confidence, progress your career, expand your network or perhaps you are tackling a new project or issue and need the perspective of an experienced, objective professional – this program is for you.

Consider also that you may have an emerging team member who could benefit from the additional support and upskilling that the program provides. Benefits to your organisation are also far reaching including increased employee engagement, skills building and increased loyalty and retention as staff feel invested in. This is particularly important in the period of change we are experiencing and the recent decline in mentorship and other engagement opportunities we have seen during COVID.

The program is run over twelve weeks and charges mentees a nominal fee of $195 for members of the RSL&SCA or $295 for non-members. During the course of the program you receive fortnightly meetings with your mentor to set goals, exchange ideas, discuss challenges and hear new perspectives from an experienced industry professional. You will also receive a mentoring booklet to assist you to get the most out of the program.

The mentor-mentee relationship is symbiotic and provides benefits to the mentor as well as the mentee. Mentors volunteer their time and report that giving back to the industry is highly rewarding and it also gives them fresh perspectives from their mentees. If you’d like to mentor – whether you are a middle manager, senior leader or Board member – we’d love to hear from you. Share your industry and life experiences while supporting growth within the industry by shaping our leaders.

Applying to be a Mentor or Mentee is easy! You just need to complete a survey so that we can create a complete profile of you which will enable us to best match you based on each participants skills, experience and goals. Each program cycle commences with a launch webinar for all participants to give an overview of the program, answer questions, set expectations and allow the cohort to meet each other.

Just announced for 2023! The Association has recently been successful in receiving a grant from Women in Gaming and Hospitality Australasia (WGHA) to provide the program FREE OF CHARGE in 2023 to women employed in the industry. WGHA have provided these funds in recognition that the mentorship program will provide participants with professional development, the opportunity to build greater networks, increased engagement and a greater voice in the industry. This will in turn elevate women in the industry and affect real change.

Hear what past mentees have to say about the program

“When the chance to apply for the RSL’s mentoring program arose, I saw it as a priceless opportunity to connect directly with a well-respected leader in the industry who was willing to share their valuable time. We quickly agreed that no subject was off limits and that all topics could be discussed confidentially.

With other networking in the industry, either at events or through email it can be difficult to go deep on certain topics one on one and really hear firsthand experiences from other managers. The RSL & Services Clubs Association’s Mentoring Program was valuable in finding the most suitable mentor with experience in the fields I was looking to develop which are relevant to projects upcoming at my club. I cannot recommend the experience enough and thank the mentors for their time and sharing their broad knowledge of the industry to myself and the other mentees. I hope that in years to come I can offer the same opportunity to the next generation of managers in our industry.”

Paul Millar, CEO, Club Rivers

As you step down from the Board, can you tell us the importance of the role of the Association to you given your service in Clubs and in Defence?

I feel that being both a Board Director of RSL&SCA and a member of Defence has given me the understanding of both organisations and where they may merge. For example, assisting with employment after leaving Defence, or helping with some of the Ex Service Organisations who directly assist both current serving and ex serving veterans. It is also the understanding that being a veteran has a deeper meaning in their “Unique Nature of Military Service”. The Australian Veteran’s Recognition Bill, also know as the Veterans’ Covenant Legislation passed through the Senate in October 2019 - why is this important? While there are common aspects of service of the ADF and emergency first responders, their are fundamental demands placed on military personnel that make ADF service unique.

It is also seeing how events such as Kokoda Youth Program not only links the younger generation to war history, it demonstrates how young leaders can use what they learnt in that very tough mental and physical experience in their own lives, their school and their community.

The Association has ‘walked the talk’ in relation to diversity and inclusion, having two women on the Board who both have worn the uniform has demonstrated to Service Clubs that they could or should look at doing a similar thing. Dean, Garrie and now Margot push boundaries in the diversity and inclusion space. While Clubs NSW cater for the broader Club areas, RSL&SCA understand the specific needs of the veteran and their family’s space.

What has been your proudest moment working with Clubs? I have a few of these....

It was certainly while on Penrith RSL Club Board I became the Deputy Chair and we had four women and four men on the Board. We were one of the very few Clubs who had a 50/50 split of genders.

Thank

Winning the ANZAC Community Spirit Award in 2018 for my community work with women veterans, rural fire brigade and the work with Homes for Heroes at Penrith.

The Equity and Inclusion Conference in Melbourne where we focused on the fact that it was not a nice to have - it was a necessity in today’s labour market and customer service.

When Homes For Heroes were preparing to open at Penrith, organising a group of Air Force and Army members to assist with putting flat packs and computers together. It was quite incredible what we achieved in such a short time.

Being involved in the “Respect the Day’ campaign video. I will always remember how nervous I was about making the video but with some sort of magic I was made to look like I knew what I was doing. I did have a moon boot on my right foot at the time which was kept out of the picture thank heavens. Thanks Brad for your help and support dealing with my anxiety.

What does leadership in veteran engagement look like for you in Clubs?

Not saying what Veterans want to hear, but actually doing real tangible acts. Some clubs have great mission statements or statements about helping the veterans and their families, but what actions do they put in place? It is important to know the local Navy, Army and Air Force units that are in their local area and promote and connect with them. Find out what newsletters they have and perhaps advertise memorial events.

Understanding that Clubs are not always the best place for someone who may be struggling with addictions and mental health conditions. Looking at other ways or other locations that you might involve veterans and their families.

you!

An interview with RSL & Services Clubs Association former director Del Gaudry CSC

Working with other Ex Service Organisations (ESOs) such as sub Branches, Disaster Relief Australia, etc to understand how having a meaningful job, regardless if it is volunteer or paid, can make a huge difference to a veterans life.

It is also important to continue to ensure door staff are aware that if a veteran comes to them looking for help, (because there is a misconceptions in the general public that a Club and a sub-Branch are the same thing), they have ready access to phone numbers to assist them.

With International Women’s Day coming up, you have been instrumental in being an influencer in this space. Tell us more about some of the initiatives you have championed…

I have always been involved with International Women’s Day (IWD) in some capacity. When I was fairly new on the Board of Penrith RSL Club I asked the Board to initiate an IWD Breakfast. It has been going now for about 6 years (could be more?), it recognises women and what they do.

I always (every year) get asked why we don’t have an International Men’s Day - we do it is: November 19 and I always say, ‘if you want to go ahead and organise something, you are most welcome’. Until we stop the gender pay gap between men and women, as well as one woman a week killed by domestic violence we will continue to need to have IWD.

You were recently the recipient of an award for Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) with RAAF. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes, it was a great honour. It was for my work in the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) for Women, Peace and Security (WPS) for UNSCR 1325 within Air Force. Also for work in the welfare and mental well-being of RAAF members.

“Squadron Leader Gaudry was instrumental in assisting Air Force to integrate a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations, peace process; She identified the benefit of more contemporary Mental Health training aimed at early intervention rather than recovery strategies

and treatments as a force-multiplier in the context of workforce sustainment. She has also driven the inclusion of elements of coaching and Mental Health First Aid to compliment training initiatives aimed at improving Human Performance.”

I will receive my CSC medal some time in April or May by the NSW Governor.

While it is certainly a great honour to be recognised at the end of my Air Force career, I did not do it alone. The women and men whom I have worked for, worked with, and for me have a stake in this award.

Finally, I would like to thank the RSL&SCA. Board, CEO and staff for their friendship and support of my ideas and hope our paths meet again some time.

Del, on behalf of the RSL & Services Clubs Association management and Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership and governance on the Board of the RSL&SCA.

Thank you again for your valuable contribution to the Association and the industry.

Margot Smith, CEO

First Nations Inclusion Project

Launch Event

You're invited to attend the official launch of the new arrangement of 'The Last Post' featuring the digeridoo alongside the bugle. A first in Australian history.

Over the past 2 years the team from Garrijimanha have produced the arrangement that represents the unity that existed between First Nation and Australian Diggers on the battlefield. They achieved this in the arrangement you will hear for the first time at this event.

Thursday 13th April | 10:30am

Chester Hill RSL

20 Chester Hill Rd, Chester Hill

0407 678 783

Scrolling. Scrolling.. Scrolling… STOP!

How do you get someone to STOP, read and engage with your post on social media?

This is a question many people struggle with and if you are reading this, well, this is a great start to help you find the answer you are looking for!

It’s what you do with it that counts. Unfortunately, unlike puppies, an image of a Chicken Schnitty just sitting there isn’t going to give someone the same amount of dopamine as you would think.

What do you see when you scroll through your Facebook and Instagram? People? Familiar Faces? YES!

ClubGrants

People like to see smiling faces and money going back into their community. If you don’t have a big cheque, get one!

You are the face of your venue, invite the recipient to you or you go to them, be in the photo, shake the hand, click the photo and share. “Today we gave this much to help these people.”

Food & Beverage

When I go to dinner with my girlfriend, I'm not even allowed to touch anything until she takes a photo, and shares it – your venue's social media should be very similar to your personal account, make it personal, grab lunch, snap a shot and share it.

Events

Tell people what's on, but give them notice. Do you have a personality in your venue, who could get behind a camera in front of your in-venue display and say “Hey this is What’s On, earn or get your tickets now.”

Plan, Act and 100% React!

You have the data sitting right in front of you. Are you using it? How does your Membership Data compare to Social Media Data? Does it match up? Who are you attracting?

Take the time to plan out your year and build your Social Media Strategy. Find out and write down your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Strengths could be “We have Free Live Music every Weekend”, and weaknesses could be that “we don’t post on Social Media who’s playing and what time.”

Your receptionist has a new role.

Almost gone are the days of patrons picking up their phones and calling, people are going to slide into your DMs and ask if the restaurant takes bookings - “are you still open?”.

You need to be engaging with these customers to build trust. Make sure to react and respond to comments where applicable. The best person for this is your receptionist, train them, give them access and watch your pages grow.

Are you catching your audience’s eyes?

Things that work:

- Animations:

o Get your artwork moving!

- Familiar Faces:

o “Congratulations Susan on being Employee of the Month!”

- UGC – User-Generated Content:

o Use your phones and share the content.

- An on-brand Instagram feed:

o As good as a Google review i.e. people go to your page now to see your food, events and the “vibe” of your venue.

- Links on Facebook/Instagram

o Tickets to a show? Link it to your ticketing platform

- Multichannel Marketing or Performance Marketing:

o Make sure you are everywhere on all channels driving the same message.

Things that don’t work:

- Same graphic over and over

- Low-quality images/videos

- Inactivity

Everyone has a chicken schnitty and the same beers on tap… think about what your point of difference is and roll with it.

If you can’t think of your point of difference, go to your competitors see what they are doing and do it better. One way to stand out is to put more effort into your posts - Quality over Quantity.

Things to try.

Collaborate with influencers/content creators/bloggers.

They are more than happy to take your money in return for great brand exposure. Do you have a special item on your menu?

A new area of a venue that has just been built? – This is a great time to call upon a person or people with a great following to do the marketing for you!

Do you have a big name coming to your venue? TAG them, and ask them to share your event on their page.

Join local groups such as a local mum's group – got a school holiday event coming up? Post your event to the group.

Paid ads and Google ads – I touched on multichannel marketing earlier – this is the icing on the cake. Build out a campaign, and put money behind something that you are advertising for a month, not just the last 4 days before the draw or event.

Google Ads are highly recommended and everyone should be doing this, – get your brand at the top of each page in front of your target audience.

It’s not too late to try something new and to change up your social media content. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries.

Andrew Quigg Marketing Account Manager, Daily Press

A Wake of Positivity and Social Connection for Veterans on Saltwater

The Veterans Benevolent Fund’s support of a safety boat for the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project will be a tremendous asset in supporting the veterans’ community, not just on Pittwater, but in other locations such as Sydney Harbour, Jervis Bay and Newcastle.

Co-founders Jen and Scott Reynolds are committed to creating a highly inclusive community that alleviates social isolation for veterans and their families through the sport of Sailing.

Originally known as ‘Four Men in a Boat’, Scott and three veteran friends with no sailing experience took to the waters to reconnect with life and each other. Following an 18 year naval career, the camaraderie, the movement, and the sheer enjoyment of being out on the water saw immediate benefits for Scott’s physical and mental health. Inspired by the effects on his wellbeing, Jen and Scott started volunteering, encouraging more veterans to get involved in sailing. To deepen his skillset, Scott eventually completed a number of sail instructing and coaching qualifications.

“Since 2017, with a crew of ‘salty’ volunteers and sponsors, we are now fostering an overlapping community at six separate locations around Australia (with three in NSW), and upwards of 80-100 veterans each month,” Jen says. Sailing forward to September 2022, the husband and wife duo were excited to achieve the milestone of registering their not-for-profit project the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project. “This will serve as an enduring means to pave the way to the future, supporting our veterans’ sailing community, volunteers, and associated activities,” she says. “In addition, it is a benchmark accomplishment and a key component of longer term vision for their community.”

Getting military service members on the water can provide physical, mental, and emotional therapy for a variety of injuries and illness. Sailing is an outlet to cope with the long term effects of PTSD, brain injury, amputation, paralysis, and nerve damage. Plus, it’s a really fun way for our veteran sailors to express their most natural abilities: teamwork and competitive drive.

The Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project is “about empowering a veteran to ‘walk through that door’, to be a part of a community again and experience meaningful engagement with other veterans, their families, and carers,” says Scott. “When a bus of Veterans arrives and you see them get off the bus, you can see how closed they are. You can see it in their body language and their shoulders and their lack of desire to speak to anybody. You put them out on the water with a volunteer (who may or may not be a Veteran) and

suddenly all those woes go away. Sailing is mindfulness, it’s teamwork, it stimulates endorphins and positive vibes. It’s about getting them moving. And the boat doesn’t move without them supporting each other. You watch the difference when they come into the clubhouse for lunch. They’re telling tall stories about sailing, fighting pirates, and having a laugh.”

“It’s amazing.”

The Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project fosters one event in each location every month. The biggest single event had 105 current serving soldiers sailing, with 20 boats largely skippered by volunteers. “We are volunteer-dependent and we see volunteering as an integral part of the veteran experience. You may start as a participant at the sailing events, but with time everyone has the capacity to volunteer whether it’s on the boat, handing out life jackets or taking the lunch order,” says Scott.

“Our aim is social re-integration, so we want to keep people involved and connected in-between and beyond the events,” says Jen. “I feel the volunteers take away as much as the participants because as a volunteer, it’s not about what ‘I’ want to achieve, it’s about what ‘you’ want to achieve. People recognise the gift of giving to the community beyond themselves.”

Funding is a consistent challenge for a family initiative. Historically very few, if any, grassroots organisations successfully gain access to more substantial Federal/DVA grants. Along with their own Saltwater Veterans merchandise, Jen and Scott are reliant on the kind support of donations and sponsorship to help cover facilitation and equipment costs.

“To have the co-elevating support of the RSL and Services Clubs Association’s Veteran Benevolent Fund, and sponsorship of our first and very own safety boat will have a significant impact on our mission,” says Scott. “Our new boat will serve veterans with safety, training, and as a platform for social activities.”

“When we co-elevate with supporting organisations, we turn them into teammates.”

2022/2023 PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY VBF

TOTAL DONATED: OVER $350,000

ORGANISATION FUNDING DETAILS

Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT)

Funding for AVCAT Alumni Network Mentorship Program for 2023 – 2025 to provide mentoring for AVCAT scholars and mentor training for AVCAT alumni each year. The program serves to support the academic journey of the scholars and provide valuable life skills for alumni. VBF have also funded a 3 year Veterans Benevolent Fund Scholarship managed by AVCAT for a child or grandchild of an Australian veteran.

Defence Community Dogs

VBF funding was given for the provision of comprehensive Dog Handover workshops and for ongoing support, guidance, certifications and training needed to keep Veterans and their dogs connected with their support networks.

Disaster Relief Australia

Funding for the Future Leaders Program that trains veteran members of Disaster Relief Australia in business management practices to address the skills gap often perceived by the corporate, charity or public sectors. Funding was also provided for Operation Simmonda to enable volunteers to assist local communities affected by floodwaters in late 2022 to start their recovery process.

InnoClub Ltd

Funding for free Entrepreneurial programs for ADF veterans, spouses and families to support them to start or grow their own business and in doing so better transition and prosper in civilian life. Additional funding for webinar series for veterans and their families, that can also be made available to clubs and community partners.

RSL Lifecare 30 x Homes for Heroes Independence Packs that provide essentials and care package items for veterans entering/ exiting the program.

RSL Lifecare Wellbeing: Technology Fund that provides Microsoft Office and other programs to veterans to improve digital access and literacy that further improves connectivity, education opportunities and employability.

RSL Lifecare 20 x Wellbeing: Domestic Violence Support Packs that provide essentials and care package items for victims of domestic violence to support them to leave abusive situations.

RSL Lifecare Spur Horse Trek Program – funds provided for the delivery of two treks that promote social support, connection and health of veterans.

RSL Lifecare Riverina Veteran Wellbeing Centre: VBF provided funds for the purchase of a portable Gazebo to provide shade for outdoor events and a BBQ Set for cooking and nutrition classes.

Swiss 8 VBF funds supported the delivery of Swiss 8 Recalibr8 one day workshops that teach participants from veterans’ communities and local community groups how to find their identity and calibrate their lives after any life transition. Funding also provided for the delivery of two week intensive coach training courses for selected workshop participants.