OPENING UP TO YOUR MATES IS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE
DEFENCE veterans will band together on Saturday when the Clarence RSL holds its Veterans’ Health and Wellbeing Expo.
The expo runs from 10am to 3pm for veterans, those currently serving, first-responders, and anyone in the community keen to show support.
Mental health will be a major focus for the day, with an extensive line-up of groups and events designed to get veterans active and out in the community.
Karate lessons, medal mounting, line dancing, and pilates will be among the programs designed to get veterans up and moving.
Claremont RSL president Paul Armstrong said he hoped the event would reconnect veterans with their comrades and get them to open up to their mates.
“We come from a generation where you didn’t open up, and this is what this week is all about: it’s time that we do open up,” Mr Armstrong said. “While servicemen and women are serving they’re surrounded by their defence family, their comrades. When they exit the service they’re often on their own.”
Dozens of groups will support the event, including RSL Employment and Wellbeing, Advocacy Tasmania, Hobart Legacy, Bucaan House, Mates4Mates, Audika, Open Arms, Hearing Australia, Wildheart Hobart, Point Assist, Soldier On, Foxhole Medals, GKR Karate and many more.
A further expo will be held at Guttridge Gardens, Wynyard, on Saturday, October 30.