GREAT MATE TO YOUNG VETS
T O W N S V I L L E ’ S P h i l l i p Thompson has been inducted as a “great Australian” for his work in suicide prevention and veterans support.
Mr Thompson, 28, was recognised at the Great Australians Gala Dinner in Melbourne and took the opportunity to share his message about the importance of supporting young veterans.
“Anyone who would listen to me, I was promoting veterans issues,” he said.
Other 2017 inductees included designer Carla Zampatti, entertainer Wilbur Wilde, musician Frankie J Holden, TV personality Ray Martin and Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice and many more.
Mr Thompson, a former soldier, was wounded in action in Afghanistan in 2009 and after overcoming injuries and mental illness is a leader in supporting and advocating for young veterans.
“Being inducted as a Great Australian is something I fell into, all I’m trying to do is help people,” he said.
His work with Selectability helping veterans find employment was vital for other young veterans and himself.
“It’s about post- traumatic growth, that’s what I try and demonstrate and what I try and help veterans with,” he said.
“Not all veterans can work with their injuries, but all veterans can do something meaningful.”
Mr Thompson said his work, and that of other young influential veteran leaders in Townsville, was a balance of passion and intellect to make change and potentially save lives.
“I don’t see myself as being an inspirational person, I see myself as a person that’s come through the hard times earlier in my life,” he said.