Program to get vets back in workplace

A PROGRAM for Tasmanian returned servicemen and women will focus on mental health and wellbeing and provide potential future job opportunities, the Government says.

Veterans Affairs Minister Guy Barnett yesterday announced $225,000 over three years for a new Active Recreation Program to support the wellbeing of veterans.

The successful recipient of the funds to run the program is former serviceman Mark Direen, the director of Point Assist, which specialises in adventure travel and personal safety.

Mr Barnett said the program would provide an outdoor recreation experience, with a focus on mental wellbeing and linking to potential employment in outdoor education or eco-tourism.

“Veterans deserve the support, they’ve put their lives on the line for us and for our sake,’’ he said.

“As a State Government we wanted to do this to support our veterans, say thank you and to honour them.”

Mr Direen, who joined the army when he was 17 and served overseas in East Timor and Afghanistan, said the program would tap into skills many veterans already had.

He said the new venture would be beneficial for veterans not only to potentially transition to a career in the industry, but also to make new friends.

Servicewoman Jo Salter, who will assist Mr Direen, said: “Unemployment is a real problem across our veterans once they leave the military and assimilating into a civilian environment.

“This is a great way for those skill sets that are already there to flip over [into a new industry].”

Sergeant Salter joined the military when she was 17 and has served in peacekeeping operations in East Timor.