CHP RSL Sub Branch

WELFARE

Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust

If you know someone in the Defence community who is struggling to meet financial commitments as a result of incapacity, death or disability, we may be able to help.

The Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust is a charity helping current and former members of the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as their families following the death or severe injury of their loved one as a result of service with the ADF, particularly in recent conflicts.

From everyday living expenses to retraining to enter the workforce or specialised medical help, we have flexibility in the assistance we can provide.

Assistance Available

Veterans, Defence members, and their families sometimes struggle to deal with financial burdens which can arise when circumstances change and affect earning capacity, or once existing entitlements no longer provide adequate support.

Some examples of the help available include financial assistance for:

a. Essential living expenses
b. Education or retraining for ADF members, veterans, or their dependents
c. Medical treatment
d. Special needs support
e. Psychological health treatment, including for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
f. Carers' assistance

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22 March 2021

Dear Members

I have no doubt that you are watching the unfolding media coverage of the calls to the Federal Government for a Royal Commission into veteran suicide.

I have publicly reiterated today that RSL NSW will support the Federal Government if it proceeds with a Royal Commission into veteran suicide.

It is my firm belief that regardless of the outcome of the motion today the implementation of the recommendations of the 2019 Productivity Commission Inquiry Report: ‘A Better Way to Support Veterans’, and any other veteran-related inquiry, is a matter of urgency for the Government.

Any recommendation that is made as a result of a Royal Commission into veteran suicide will be welcomed but this will take time and immediate action needs to be taken to support veteran wellbeing.

The RSL NSW Board and Executive take these issues very seriously and are continually working to ensure that NSW-based veterans have access to rapid and ongoing access to services and support, camaraderie, and commemoration for our members and the wider veteran community.

Since 2019, RSL NSW and ourpartner charities RSL LifeCare and RSL DefenceCare have secured a Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre for Nowra, placed a Liaison Officer at the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare at Concord, and established the RSL Employment Program.

I understand that the ongoing media coverage may be causing you, or someone you know, some distress. There is immediate support available to all veterans:

•Your local RSL NSW sub-Branch – Link to contact details here
•RSL DefenceCare – Call 8088 0388
•Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling – Call 1800 011 046 (Available 24 hours)
•Department of Veterans Affairs
•RSL NSW Member Support – Call 1300 679 775

Yours faithfully

Ray James, OAM

RSL NSW State President