21 minute read
LOOKING AFTER OUR DIGGERS, OLD AND YOUNG
By the Hon Andrew Gee MP,
Minister for Defence Personnel & Veterans’ Affairs, Australian Government
From Esperance to Albany, Carnarvon to Kununurra, along the Wheatbelt, and across the outback, the Australian Government supports 33,000 veterans and their families who call Western Australia home. The peace and freedom that we wake up to every day was fought for and secured by generations of diggers from the Wildflower State. Whenever tyranny threatened to take hold, no matter how many oceans away, service men and women from WA heeded the call for help and marched into history.
Chief of Staff 1st Division Colonel James Hunter (right) briefs the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel the Honourable Andrew Gee MP, (centre) at Headquarters 1st Division at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021. © Department of Defence. Photographer: Lauren Larking.
WEST AUSTRALIAN HEROES
Some of their names are well known to us. Others less so, like BRIG Arnold Potts, a farmer from Kojonup, who was the architect of the fighting withdrawal that was to save our forces and ultimately defeat the Japanese at Kokoda.
The land is still dotted with the reminders of war, from old pillboxes, to refuelling stations and landing strips. Stories of loss and valour, like that of the 10th Light Horse Regiment in the World War I, are still proudly told around dinner tables, campfires, and local watering holes.
Legends like that of LT Hugo Throssell, a West Australian farmer, whose valorous deeds on Hill 60 in the Gallipoli Peninsula earned him WA’s first Victoria Cross – the only one awarded to an Australian light horseman. Despite being one of the state’s greatest heroes, Throssell struggled to step back into civilian life after returning to his farm in the Wheatbelt region and committed suicide in 1933.
More than a century on, we are still learning that our heroes, who willingly sacrifice so much for our nation in times of both war and peace, are only human. For some, the burden is, tragically, too great. VETERANS MUST BE A PRIORITY
This is the unseen tragedy of war and service, and one we must find solutions to. To this end, the Australian Government has established a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This will be a chance for veterans and their families to tell their stories and share their views on how we can improve the treatment and care of veterans and their families both now, and for future generations.
In my first few weeks as Minister, I met with as
many veterans and family members as possible. Through these conversations, I have gained a strong insight into the need to look after our old and young diggers, not just during their service, but through their transition into civilian life, and beyond.
Reducing claims processing times is a priority I’ll be addressing to ensure systemic change for the better. When I looked under the bonnet at the DVA, I found there were around 50,000 claims on the books that require attention, so additional funding will be allocated to tackle this backlog over the next 18 months.
As I write this column, the tragedy in Afghanistan is continuing to unfold on our television screens, and I grieve with the people of the United States and Afghanistan in the face of the atrocities we are witnessing. Twenty years ago, Australia stood up to defend freedom. Our troops were respected by our allies, feared by our enemies, and greatly appreciated by the people of Afghanistan to whom they gave so much support and assistance.
Forty-one Australians made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and many returned carrying the scars of war, changing their lives and the lives of their families forever. Especially during this time, I encourage Australians to pick up the phone and say g’day to any veterans and their families that you may know. A friendly voice can make all the difference to a mate who may be in need. RESPECT & SUPPORT ESSENTIAL
Our nation is extremely grateful and proud of the men and women who served, and we need to make sure our veterans and their families know there is support out there for them. Support like the services provided at ANZAC House in Perth, home to Veteran Central, offering veterans and their families general practice medical care, allied health services, a day surgery facility, psychological and mental health services, financial and employment support, and wellness programs.
Across the country, mental health support is also available to those in need. It is free and available to anyone with a single day of continuous full-time service in the ADF, as well as Reservists with disaster relief or border protection service, or those injured in a service-related training accident.
I look forward to visiting Western Australia in Covid-friendlier times. Until then, I will continue to work with all veterans to ensure their service to this nation is recognised and respected, and that their voices are heard.
Reducing claims processing times is a priority I’ll be addressing to ensure systemic change for the better. When I looked under the bonnet at the DVA, I found there were around 50,000 claims on the books that require attention, so additional funding will be allocated to tackle this backlog over the next 18 months.
World War II veterans have been well support by Department Veterans’ Affairs programs. Seen here, World War II Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) veteran Kate McKay of Western Australia celebrated her 100th birthday in July 2021 with family and friends in Perth. (L-R) (front) Dale Dewhirst (daughter), Kate McKay (centre) and Gwen McKay (daughter). L-R (back) MAJ Ben Oakes of 13th Brigade and Legacy WA, James (Jim) McKay (son). © WA DEFENCE REVIEW. Photographer: Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe.
By Geoff Evans,
CEO, Disaster Relief Australia
VETERANS: THE UNTAPPED NATIONAL ASSET IN DISASTER RELIEF
A vital component of planning for future crises, and increasing local disaster preparedness and recovery capabilities, is identifying potential disaster volunteers in the community - people willing and able to be recruited, trained and deployed, often within very short timeframes. Disaster volunteer organisations are critical, particularly during the initial hours and days after a major catastrophe moves through the community.
Transferable skills. ADF and DRA members assisting with bushfire recovery operations. © Disaster Relief Australia.
VETERANS STEP UP
Identifying sources of appropriate disaster volunteers is essential to increasing the capability and capacity of local communities and support agencies to effectively respond when disasters strike. A unique and highly capable group that has stepped forward in recent years to support communities in their time of need is our military veterans.
One disaster relief organisation that has a national representation of veteran volunteers, and provides an example of how to effectively engage veterans in disaster recovery and community support operations, is Disaster Relief Australia (DRA). Established in 2016, and now comprising over 3000 volunteer veterans and growing, DRA deploys fully equipped, mobile and highly capable damage assessment and incident management teams to areas and communities acutely affected by major disasters. MISSION CRITICAL SKILLS
DRA’s experience over the past five years, including over 25 national and regional deployments, has shown that veterans are better prepared for disasters than members of the general community. Veterans possess characteristics that are mission critical during natural disasters. They are action oriented, self-sufficient, prepared, calm during times of crisis, and highly flexible and adaptable. Many veterans are comfortable working in small teams, have well-developed communication and leadership skills, and possess a
Transferable skills. ADF and DRA members assisting with bushfire recovery operations. © Disaster Relief Australia.
can-do attitude toward often hazardous and demanding tasks - all of which make them ideal disaster volunteers.
DRA’s research on veteran reintegration has found that two challenges many veterans confront upon transitioning to civilian life are feeling a loss of purpose, and facing difficulties transferring military skills and training into civilian work. Volunteering with DRA provides veterans a new mission, a new ‘unit’ and the opportunity to continue serving others after having served in the military.
By applying their specialised skills in the context of disasters, veterans can find a new sense of purpose and a renewed connection to their respective communities. Their unique skill set provides opportunities for engagement and active involvement in local communities - a necessary step for positive reintegration.
As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events is expected to grow, more emphasis should be placed on opportunities at the local and national levels to recruit, prepare, and train those members of the community who are willing and able to volunteer and help their communities better prepare for and recover from disasters.
AN UNTAPPED RESOURCE
Government efforts to include veterans in community preparedness and response could bolster resilience during disasters by more fully incorporating the untapped resources of veterans’ existing skills and knowledge into Australia’s emergency management arrangements. In response to this strategic initiative, DRA is proactively developing the capability to engage in national and state joint task force disaster recovery operations, including the ability to accept hand-off from the ADF and disaster agencies. This is positioning DRA as a unique ‘third echelon’ in the nation’s response to disaster management.
As a nation, we should identify further opportunities to engage our veterans in combating future emergencies, crisis and disasters, recognising the importance of their contribution and the positive impact of their volunteerism on adapting to civilian life.
By Alisdair Putt,
Lawyer & Director of the Veterans Transition Centre, Jarrahdale
THE JARRAHDALE PROJECT: A BUSH SANCTUARY FOR VETERANS IN NEED
There are credible reports that post-service suicide and self-harm cause more deaths and injuries than overseas operational service. Why do so many serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force either commit suicide or self-harm?
On 2 December 2020, the Governor of Western Australia the Hon Kim Beazley AC, officially opened the VTC’s newly refurbished community hall. © Veterans Transition Centre.
OVERCOMING STIGMA
In July 2021, the Australian Government established a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to identify the systematic issues and any common themes. The Royal Commissioners are to provide the government with an interim report in August 2022, and a final report by June 2023.
In the meantime, there is an increasing number of not-for-profit organisations supplementing government efforts to address some of the underlying issues contributing to these tragic deaths and selfharm incidents. One of these is a charitable group, the Veterans Transition Centre (VTC), established several years ago to assist former ADF personnel in Western Australia needing help transitioning to civilian life. Why, with so many worthwhile organisations like the RSL, Legacy, Soldier On et al, do we need another one?
One of the biggest issues in this area is the reluctance of veterans to seek help for their problems. For example, current or former special forces soldiers who have served on war-like operations in Afghanistan have often been reluctant to admit to difficulties coping with stress or trauma. If you are the sort of person who gets through special forces selection and training, or have served on war-like operations, you will often be reluctant to identify and/or discuss what you may regard as personal problems or weaknesses. There is the stoic belief in, and ability to keep going, no matter what, that results in a stigma associated with mental illness and help-seeking in the military. PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
As a possible solution the VTC in partnership with the RSL, has established a beautiful bush property
The VTC hosts 20 newly refurbished chalets. © Veterans Transition Centre.
several kilometres from the town of Jarrahdale, an hour’s drive south of Perth. We have set about refurbishing a lot of the old huts in poor condition on the property with the help of community spirited companies and organisations, such as Austal.
The intention is to have a refuge where former ADF members can spend some time, and chat as needed with other people who have a shared experience of the unique stresses and pressures of service life. Sometimes sitting around a campfire with a brew or bevvy may help, in addition to any help in more formal settings.
The VTC offers short term accommodation respite for former ADF members who need it, as well as assistance in gaining civilian employment. We can also put members in touch with counselling services. Another aim is for the property to also act as a local hub for such services, in co-operation with similar organisations.
With the assistance of the Department of Corrective Services, we are also advertising in WA prisons, and starting to conduct prison visits, to meet with former ADF members who may need some help upon their release into the community.
Whilst we have recently received some generous financial support from the federal government for the refurbishment of the huts, we are struggling to cover our operating expenses. You can help in different ways; by booking accommodation for your company or community group, supplying some volunteer labour, or by simply making a donation. If you need help, or think you can help in some way, please visit our website at www.veteranstc.org.au
The VTC offers short term accommodation respite for former ADF members who need it, as well as assistance in gaining civilian employment. We can also put members in touch with counselling services. Another aim is for the property to also act as a local hub for such services, in co-operation with similar organisations.
The VTC’s community hall has modern facilities that can host a range of events for up to 50 people.. © Veterans Transition Centre.
By Denise Goldsworthy,
Chair of Trustees, Navy Clearance Diver Trust
DIVER TRUST CLEARS THE WAY FOR TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE
This year we recognise the 70th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Branch. On 21 June 1951, an RAN Order for Training of Clearance Divers was approved and issued, following a recommendation that an organisation similar to the Royal Navy be established. Since then, our Clearance Divers who are often referred to as CDs, have done much for this nation, so in 2011, the Navy Clearance Diver Trust (NCDT) was established to serve those who provide exemplary service to our country.
On 28 June 2021 members from AUCDT4 and VIP guests gathered at ANZAC House in Perth for an event to raise awareness of the Navy Clearance Diver Trust. The ensuing panel discussion included veterans Andy Shaw, Cherish McNamara, Dr Anthony Gadenne, Daniel Jackson and Toff Idrus. © Department of Defence. Photographer: LSIS Ronnie Baltoft.
A PROUD HISTORY OF SERVICE
RAN Clearance Divers are the ADF’s specialist divers whose primary mission is to perform underwater minecountermeasures. Their primary role is underwater search and Explosive Ordnance Disposal in the maritime environment.
All personnel joining the CD Category must undergo acceptance testing and complete the arduous CD qualification course. Such requirements are not seen anywhere else in the ADF outside of the special forces.
CDs served in the SASR’s counter-terrorist squadrons for the first 15 years after that capability’s inception and continue to serve in that role with the 2nd Commando Regiment (TAG East). CDs have served in all major Australian conflicts including Malaya, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Somalia, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. They also continue to be actively involved in Operation Render Safe, an ongoing Australian-led mission to help rid the South-West Pacific of explosive ordnance left over from World War II.
The NCDT was initially conceived by a group of ex-serving CDs who wanted to support their colleagues
in service as well as divers’ families. While NCDT operates as one, there are other legal entities that make up the NCDT structure:
• Navy Clearance Diver Trust
(NCDT#1): which is the original entity established in 2011 supports initial emergency funding, as well as longer term financial needs of families in times of hardship, where existing entitlements are unable to provide the support needed.
• Navy Clearance Diver Trust No.2
(NCDT#2): was established in 2020 and facilitates programs to reduce the probability of CDs falling into hardship.
The NCDT#2 has a corporate trustee,
Navy Clearance Diver Foundation
Limited (NCDFL).
In practice the Trustees of NCDT#1 are also NCDFL’s directors, a structure which is underpinned by the trust deeds. NCDT#1 and NCDT#2 are both registered with the Australian Charities & Not-forprofits Commission and have Deductible Gift Recipient status.
ESTABLISHING TRUST
CDs have a strong preference to be in control of their lives and look for support and information that helps them make better choices to reduce the probability that they may face difficulties or hardship. The corporate trustee structure brings higher governance standards that enable NCDT#2 to apply for grants from state and federal governments, as well as meet the requirements of corporate partners who are interested in sponsoring preventative work in the veteran space.
NCDT#2’s focus is on increasing support for CDs with physical or mental health requirements resulting from their service. In some cases, this is just dealing with the loss of a strong, purpose and performance-driven team culture, underpinned by a sense of service.
Early intervention is key, and therefore establishing a trusting relationship with CDs during active service is important to ensuring NCDT becomes aware of hardships before the effects escalate.
The current focus of NCDT#2’s programs is a two year window that commences approximately six months before a CD leaves the RAN and the following 18–24 months, as they explore, make and adjust to the various decisions required to establish a sustainable civilian life.
NCDT is a voluntary body. The trustees consist of a combination of experienced business executives from the civilian community, as well as current and ex-serving members of the CD and broader navy community.
The CD community is relatively small, making it easier for NCDT to develop a relationship of trust with CDs while they are still serving in the RAN, and to then maintain that relationship as they transition to civilian life. This allows NCDT to fulfil a unique whole-of-life partnership role that no other organisation can provide. Donations to either NCDT#1 or NCDT#2 can be made through our website at: https://www.ncdt.org.au/
NAVY CLEARANCE DIVER TRUST
The Navy Clearance Diver Trust (NCDT) is a not-for-profit trust fund dedicated to providing relief to current and former members of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Clearance Diving Branch and their dependants, who become deceased, damaged or permanently disabled in, or as a result of their service or training. The funds raised by the Trust will be allocated to families and individuals to provide immediate aid and to fill the inevitable gaps in support provided by the Defence, Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), and other key ex-service organisations.
To make a Donation Please Visit: www.ncdt.org.au/donations/
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FEATURE INTREVIEW – THE HON. KIM BEAZLEY AC, FORMER DEFENCE MINISTER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS – THE CUTTING EDGE: FUTURE OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS & INDUSTRY INNOVATION TOUR HIGHLIGHTS – TOUR OF JFD AUSTRALIA BIBRA LAKE FACILITY
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The WA DEFENCE & The WA DEFENCE & INNOVATION FORUM INNOVATION FORUM comes not a moment comes not a moment too soon. With the too soon. With the reorientation of defence reorientation of defence industry policy, back to industry policy, back to strategic spending critical strategic spending critical for self-reliant sustainment, for self-reliant sustainment, massive new opportunities massive new opportunities are opening up to WA’s are opening up to WA’s heavy industry and SMEs, heavy industry and SMEs, but we are behind in but we are behind in advocacy to ourselves advocacy to ourselves and the Commonwealth. and the Commonwealth. With regard to the latter, With regard to the latter, they only take seriously they only take seriously those who take themselves those who take themselves seriously. The forum plays seriously. The forum plays a critical support role for a critical support role for state government and state government and industry associations who industry associations who are now energised to the are now energised to the task and will alert many task and will alert many who are not engaged to who are not engaged to the chances that await the chances that await them. them. The Hon Kim Beazley AC,
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The WA DEFENCE & The WA DEFENCE & INNOVATION FORUM INNOVATION FORUM empowers relationships and empowers relationships and dialogue for defence industry dialogue for defence industry leaders and senior decisionleaders and senior decisionmakers in parliament and makers in parliament and the ADF. More discussion, the ADF. More discussion, engagement and active engagement and active participation by defence participation by defence industry is critical to helping the industry is critical to helping the Commonwealth Government Commonwealth Government deliver the record $270bn deliver the record $270bn investment in capability and investment in capability and industry development. This industry development. This national endeavour cannot national endeavour cannot succeed without government, succeed without government, Defence, primes, SMEs, key Defence, primes, SMEs, key industry groups, innovators industry groups, innovators and researchers all coming and researchers all coming together to engage in robust, together to engage in robust, frank and cordial dialogue and frank and cordial dialogue and to chart a path forward together. to chart a path forward together. This portal represents a game This portal represents a game changer for WA industry and will changer for WA industry and will ensure that our state and the ensure that our state and the defence industrial base here is defence industrial base here is competitive domestically and competitive domestically and globally. globally. The Hon Melissa Price MP,
The Hon Melissa Price MP, Minister for Defence Industry Minister for Defence Industry Australian Government Australian Government
The WA DEFENCE & The WA DEFENCE & INNOVATION FORUM is INNOVATION FORUM is a much-needed addition a much-needed addition to the defence industry to the defence industry discussion. For too long, discussion. For too long, most of the debate around most of the debate around defence has been led defence has been led and dominated by voices and dominated by voices on the east coast. This on the east coast. This portal will assist players portal will assist players across industry and in the across industry and in the broader community with our broader community with our collective efforts to give a collective efforts to give a voice to Western Australian voice to Western Australian defence interests and shape defence interests and shape the national debate. the national debate. The Hon Paul Papalia
The Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, CSC MLA, Minister for Defence Minister for Defence Industry and Veterans’ Industry and Veterans’ Issues, WA Government Issues, WA Government
The WA DEFENCE & The WA DEFENCE & INNOVATION FORUM INNOVATION FORUM provides for one of the provides for one of the most critical aspects of most critical aspects of doing business in defence doing business in defence industry: informed and industry: informed and trusted communication. trusted communication. Communication in this Communication in this nature drives defence nature drives defence industry; whether industry; whether it be government it be government announcements, state announcements, state incentives, grants and incentives, grants and funding, research and funding, research and development, new development, new business opportunities or business opportunities or possible future partners. possible future partners. This Forum provides This Forum provides necessary information and necessary information and importantly, a sense of importantly, a sense of community that ultimately community that ultimately is committed to supporting is committed to supporting Australia’s expanding Australia’s expanding defence sector. defence sector. RADM Raydon Gates AO
