Diggers’ health to take centre stage
COMMUNITY service providers will shine a spotlight on the health and mental wellbeing of veterans and their families from this Saturday.
Veterans’ Health Week ( VHW) will be held from Saturday to Sunday, October 18, as an opportunity for veterans, war widows, widowers, current and ex- Australian Defence Force members and their families to participate in, connect with and influence the health and wellbeing of themselves and their friends.
Locally written and produced play All That We Carry will launch the week of activities, showing this Friday and Saturday at the Old Courthouse Theatre, Sturt St, at 7pm.
Written by veterans’ advocate Fairlie Sandilands, the play highlights the issues modern- era veterans and their families face after deployment to combat zones.
It follows the deterioration of Ben, who is dealing with PTSD after leaving the military.
His wife and daughter are left facing his mood swings and his dissociation.
Ms Sandilands said she was fortunate to obtain Regional Arts Development Funding to research, write and develop the play.
“It’s important for the community to recognise that we have thousands of Australian men and women who have been deployed overseas into combat zones or on peacekeeping missions in the modern era,” she said.
“Many serving
members and veterans are struggling with mental health issues, and their families and loved ones may find it difficult to cope as well.”
Tickets cost $ 12 and can be purchased at townsvilletickets. com. au.
Other Veterans’ Health Week activities include: Monday, October 12:
* Veterans’ Health Week Golf Day: Hosted by the TPI Association Townsville at the Willows Golf Resort from 9am. For more information call John Holthouse on 4724 1150. Thursday, October 15:
* Keeping it Together: A mental health issues and awareness presentation. The event is being hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Federation Townsville at 1 Charters Tow-
Lydia Kellner
ers Rd from 9am to 12.30pm. For more information phone Chris Mills on 4724 4613.
* Occupation therapy – Assisting in Mental Wellbeing. Hosted by the Magnetic Island RSL sub- branch, this workshop with lunch and guest speaker is held at 10am at 53 Hayles Avenue, Magnetic Island. For more information call Geoff Barlow on 4758 1159. Friday, October 16:
* Veterans’ Fun Afternoon: Hosted by RAAF Townsville, this event is one for the whole family from 3pm. Phone Edmund Mildren on 0419 665 281 to RSVP. Sunday, October 18:
* Art/ Colouring Stress Relief Workshop for Female Veterans: This event is being hosted by the Women Veter- ans Network Townsville at The Old Drill Hall Studio, 27 Mitchell Street, North Ward, between 11am and 3pm. Call Ramon Fention on 0418 283 752 for more information.
* Family Open Day: Not yet a Mates4Mates member but always wanted to learn more about the local Family Recovery Centre? Then this is your chance. Between 9am and 2pm, come and join veterans and their families for a morning of fun, displays, activities and information stands.
There will also be a guest appearance by Mates4Mates ambassador Josh Maguire ( of the Brisbane Broncos).
Mates4Mates is at 40 Anne St, Aitkenvale ( entry via Wotton Street). For more information call 4771 9600.