For vets a rough sleep
STRAND Park was transformed into a tent city at the weekend for a community sleep- out to raise awareness for veterans who are homeless across Townsville and Australia.
Veterans Off The Streets Australia hosted its second Community Sleepout on Saturday night.
Veterans Off The Streets Australia managing director Floss Foster, who served in the Australian Army for 34 years, said about 60 people rolled out their swags to take part in the event, with hundreds more visiting throughout the day and night.
“The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those who stayed on for the sleep- out,” she said. “To see so many veterans and so many people turn out to support veterans and veteran issues is so encouraging.”
During the event, the multimillion- dollar Operation Compass, headed by former commander of 3rd Brigade, Lieutenant General John Caligari AO, DSC, was launched.
Mr Caligari said he was determined Operation Compass – a pilot suicide prevention project in Townsville which targets ex- serving Australian Defence Force members and their families – would reduce the “horrifyingly high” statistics on veteran suicide.
The Federal Government an- nounced the suicide prevention trial in Townsville last year as part of a $ 34 million commitment to fund and evaluate 12 suicide prevention trial sites nationally.
Local veteran Brett Armstrong, a Veterans Off The Streets volunteer, said it was important to highlight the unique needs of veterans.
“And what better time to do this than during Veterans Health Week,” he said. “The thing is that so many veterans are hurting and are not seeking out the help that is available to them. There are many ex- service organisations that are available to help veterans but not all veterans who need help seek out the help that is available.”
Mr Armstrong, who served in the army for 32 years before his discharge and now works full- time as an RSL advocate based at Mates4Mates in Townsville, said too many veterans were “too proud to seek help”.
“There’s so many veterans out there who are struggling and are hurting,” he said. “There is also too many veterans who are too proud to ask for help, too proud to say they are struggling. I hope that events such as this one go a little way to help veterans know that there is help out there for them and it is not a sign of weakness to say ‘ I need help, I’m struggling’.
“I think a lot of veterans are under the mistaken impression that If you or someone you know needs help, support is available at Lifeline on If you are an Australian veteran or family of a veteran, you can also call the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service on ex- service organisations are a charity. It’s not a charity, it’s just mates looking after each other.”
Mr Armstrong said his experience transitioning from the army after decades in the job helped him in his role as an advocate.
“I know first- hand how difficult and how challenging it is transitioning into civilian life, so I feel that I can really make a difference working as an advocate with serving and ex- serving members,” he said.
“Helping veterans work through the DVA claims process and helping them access health services is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done.”
To help Veterans Off The Streets go to www. votsa. org. au to donate.