Graeme elected to lead welfare centre

Volunteers at the West Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre in Drouin contributed more than 200 hours in the past year or 40 hours a week, according to centre chairman Graeme Watts.

Mr Watts was re-elected chairman at the centre’s recent annual meeting.

Mr Watts said the figures demonstrated that the services from the voluntary organisation was required both within and outside of Baw Baw Shire.

The centre is open every Tuesday or in more urgent cases veterans can be visited.

A total of 41 home visits were conducted during the year because of the age of veterans or dependents.

Mr Watts said the centre required the continued support from all ex service organisations in the West Gippsland area for volunteers to fill the rehabilitation and compensation advocates and administration officer duties as these position became vacant.

“Without the support of our volunteers the centre could not operate,” he said.

Treasurer Ivan Standen thanked Mr Watts for his report and the “amazing job” he had performed in the role.

He also congratulated Mr Watts on receiving an Order of Australia medal in the Australia Day Honours.

Mr Watts was elected chairman for the 22nd consecutive year.

John Martin was elected secretary and Ivan Standen was elected treasurer.

Other committee of management members are John Grace, Brian and Sue Milner, Rod McNab, Norma Reynolds, Gary Elliot and Bob Woods.

Guest speaker was senior sergeant Ben Vahland who is based at Morwell Police.

Ben, an ex Royal Australian Navy officer, discussed a first responders group he has formed.

Ben said the group had been formed to provide support to first responders including police, ambulance and firefighters.

He said people often felt isolated after attending certain events and he believed it was important people felt supported and connected.

He said generally about 12 people attended get togethers but there had been more than 20 people at some activities.

He said a range of speakers had addressed the group including psychologists, drug and alcohol counsellors and peer support staff,

“We have also taken part in activities including yoga, health and fitness, salt therapy and mindfullness.”

Ben said he had seen the need for such a group following his service in the navy followed by his police service.

He said he had orginally tried to enter the police after he left school at the age of 17.

“I didn’t pass and decided on a career in the navy.

After leaving the navy in 2003 he reapplied to the police and was successful.

He said both careers had given him great insight into the emotional needs of first responders.