A veteran in today’s Australia could be any age over 18, male or female, could have served on war-like operations in any number of locations across the globe and may have done so several times.
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A veteran could have been involved in border protection missions off our coast, fighting bushfires and floods on home soil or could have been a part of a force providing humanitarian assistance following a tsunami or earthquake somewhere in our region.
While these experiences, even training and preparing for them, can do much to enrich the lives and learning journey of those involved, they can also result in physical and mental injuries among those who do this work on our behalf.
The Government organisation known as the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports those who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the spouses, widows or widowers of veterans form an important minority.
While they are subject to the same health concerns as the rest of the population, there are a number of health issues considered by the institute to be more specific to the veterans community.
These conditions include social isolation, the risk of weight gain after they transition from the ADF, a higher prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder and substance dependance.
In answer to these health concerns and to promote good health and well-being, each year the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) holds ‘Veterans’ Health Week’.
This years Veterans’ Health Week is September 22-30. During this week events are held where health providers are available to engage with men and women who have served in the ADF and their families; this includes mums, dads and grandparents (any family member).
Veterans’ Health Week local events
Locally there are two key events taking place as part of Veterans Health Week.
Nambucca Heads
The Nambucca/Macleay Defence Families Information Service will be conducting an Information Day for Serving and Ex-ADF Members and their families at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club on Wednesday, September 26.
The doors will open at 8:30am for 9am start and will conclude at 1pm.
In addition to representation from DVA, Legacy and the Police there will be a range of health and wellbeing information stalls with guest speakers covering elder abuse, nutrition, diet and mental health services. Families of serving members in the region are also welcome to come along, there is no requirement to pre-book. If you would like more information please call Mr Wayne Mason on 02 6569 0309 or Mr Wally Sweet on 0401 306 720.
Urunga
Coffs Coast Legacy and the local Men’s Health Peer Education group will hold a joint venture during Veterans Health Week at Urunga. On Friday, September 28 you are invited to meet at the carpark directly opposite the Oceanview Hotel for an optional walk followed by a barbecue Lunch.
At the barbecue there will be an information session covering nutrition and sample bags available. If this great initiative appeals to you please RSVP by Friday, September 21 by ringing 1300 534 229 or call Wally Sweet on 0401 306 720.
About the author: Mick Birtles is a recently retired army officer now living in Nambucca Heads. During his 36-year career, Birtles served in Bougainville, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership. Here he shares his interest in the issues effecting veterans on the Mid North Coast.
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