10 GARY WILSON - Soldier On Australia
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Autumn 2022
MARCH ON WITH SOLDIER ON
GARY TURNS
WILSON
BLACKHAWK CRASH
SURVIVOR IS WALKING
96KM FOR VETS
PSYCHOLOGY
10
HOW TO STAY
MOTIVATED TO
EXERCISE
soldieron.org.au | 1300 620 380
The credit card that
has tails wagging.
Introducing Australia’s Defence Bank Foundation VISA Credit card. It’s a
win for members, a win for veterans and a win for specially-trained dogs
like Bruce, whose handsome face appears on the card.
3 .99 %
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p.a.
8 .99 %p.a.
Ongoing
rate.*
• Up to 55 days interest free on purchases.
• Same low rate for purchases and cash advances.
• Additional cardholder at no extra cost.
Australia’s Defence Bank Foundation supports the Defence Community
Dogs’ Program. It provides specially-trained assistance dogs to veterans
living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thanks to you, we’ll
donate half of the annual card fee every year to do what we can to serve
those who protect us.
Scan the QR code or visit
our website to find out why
this credit card is getting
tongues and tails wagging.
*Rates are current as 1 October 2020 and subject to change. Introductory rate is applicable for the first six
months and then reverts to the variable credit card rate, currently 8.99% p.a. Credit eligibility criteria, terms
defencebank.com.au and conditions, fees and charges apply. Defence Bank recommends you read the Defence Bank Products and
Services - Conditions of Use and Target Market Determination for any product you choose to take. Card is
1800 033 139 issued by Defence Bank Limited ABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL / Australian Credit Licence 234582.
We will remember them... Lest we forget The Board, Executive and employees of DHA hereby acknowledge and respect the sacrifice of all those who have served or are currently serving with the Australian Defence Force. On this day our offices around the country will pause to remember all men and women who have provided service to Australia and its allies in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Contents
7 Health and
wellbeing
It’s not easy sticking to an exercise
9 Employment
Looking for a new career after
11 Learning
Free courses you can do and new
routine. Try these four tips from our discharge? We can help. opportunities in Townsville.
psychologists.
20 Winning program 22 New life path 28 Hidden figures
Soldier On receives a prestigious Here’s what Soldier On did for Are we overlooking the unique needs
award. one veteran. of female veterans?
2 SOLDIER ON Autumn 2022
Get in touch
Ph: 1300 620 380
Email: getsupport@soldieron.org.au
About Us
As a national charity, we support
more than 8,000 veterans and their
family members through our Health
and Wellbeing services, Employment
Support, Learning and Education
Programs, as well as Participation
and Social Connection activities.
Our services help individuals build
resilience and create meaningful
connections with family, community
and employers. These programs are
made possible through the gener-
ous support of the Australian Com-
munity, the Australian Government
through the Department of Veterans
Affairs, and our Corporate Partners.
Soldier On is a leader in support-
13 Participation 17 March on ing those who have served and
continue to serve in the Australian
with Gary Defence Force. With an exempla-
ry track record of providing practi-
The surprising benefits of volunteering, If a debilitated Blackhawk crash cal and emotional assistance critical
plus how mates walked for a lost survivor can walk 96km in a month, to building successful post-service
shipmate. so can you. lives, Soldier On is recognised as an
essential first port of call for veter-
ans and their families as they tran-
sition from the Defence Force to ci-
vilian life.
Direct editorial enquiries to
todd.cole@soldieron.org.au
Advertising
Advertisements in this journal are
solicited from organisations and
businesses on the understanding that
no special considerations other than
those normally accepted in respect of
commercial dealings, will be given to
any advertiser. Advertising funds the
production, print and distribution of this
journal, allowing Soldier On to get the
word out. Countrywide Austral adheres
30 Get moving 36
to stringent ethical advertising practices
Social and any advertising inquiries should be
connections directed to:
Why you need to get off the couch A round up of the social events over
and get moving. the last few months. Level 2, 310 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
GPO Box 2466, Melbourne VIC 3001
Cover: Gary Wilson Ph: 03 9937 0200
Photography: Ryan Banks Web: www.cwaustral.com.au
#sidebyside 3
CEO Update
This year marks 10 years of Soldier On
helping veterans and their families thrive.
O
n 24 April 2012, in a tent pitched saw over 3000 group and individual members. We are thrilled to be able
on the burnt-down grounds of the appointments carried out. In this to address this need for support and
Canberra Services Club, Soldier same period, the Pathways program assist the local community throughout
On was officially launched. In its first placed 275 veterans and family their service and transition. At Soldier
year, Soldier On assisted a total of members into jobs and offered more On we believe in a collaborative
200 veterans, operating across three than 5,000 individual instances of approach, working collegiately with
states. Now 10 years on, and Soldier employment and education support other ex-service organisations (ESOs)
On supports more than 8,000 veterans with everything from career guidance across the country to ensure everyone
and family members, delivering and resume writing, to assistance in need can access the right support, at
holistic programs and services that with job applications, mentoring the right time. Soldier On is thrilled to
enable current and former Defence and post placement support. We are build on this collaboration and welcome
families to build social connections, tremendously proud of all that Soldier a number of other ESOs into the newly
rewarding careers and mental and On has accomplished over its 10-year re-established Robert Poate Centre.
physical resilience. With the support history, as every triumph for Soldier In providing space for our fellow
of our community, Soldier On has On is indeed a triumph for the veteran ESOs, Soldier On hopes to create even
seen tremendous growth over the community. The Soldier On team has more opportunities for collaboration
past decade, which is set to continue leapt into 2022, starting the year off and integration with our supporters
well into 2022 and beyond. In 2021, with an incredible selection of activities to deliver a wider range of support
Soldier On saw its greatest growth in and programs across the country, services to our participants. After
its history, expanding and diversifying keeping our participants engaged and two and half enjoyable years leading
the delivery of life-changing support motivated in the new year. With thanks the Soldier On team, I have made the
services for our serving and ex- to Canberra Airport Group, Soldier On difficult decision to move on to my next
serving Defence personnel and their is settling into its new HQ building at chapter and resign as CEO. My time at
families. To meet the growing demand Brindabella Business Park and looks Soldier On has certainly been a career
for veteran support services across forward to officially launching this new highlight, working with an incredible
the country, Soldier On expanded premises shortly. We are also excited and passionate team to assist those
its service delivery with a presence to announce the expansion of Soldier who have served our nation. Soldier
in every Capital City of Australia, On’s Pathways program to Townsville. On has changed the veteran landscape
in every State and Territory, as In expanding the program, Townsville to provide excellent support for the
well as regional New South Wales, participants will have access to a veteran community. To have been
Queensland and Victoria, including national network of employment and a part of this cause has been a true
Kiama, Newcastle, Albury/Wodonga, transition coaches who work closely honour and I thank the entire team at
Singleton, Port Macquarie, Townsville with veterans and their families to Soldier On, our wonderful network or
and Sale. Soldier On has also increased assist them in gaining meaningful collaborators, partners, supporters
staff numbers from 26 to more than employment following service or and the Australian public for their
70, enabling the delivery of more within the posting cycle. Townsville efforts and commitment to the veteran
services to reach a greater number has a long and significant history as an community. I am sure the new CEO will
of veterans in more locations. Soldier integral part of our nation’s Defence. take Soldier On to even greater heights
On has seen an increased demand Home to one of our nation’s largest and new chapters. I look forward to
for its services, particularly in the veteran communities, there is a strong seeing what Soldier On and our veteran
past 12 months. In 2021 alone, Soldier demand for diverse support services community can achieve together in the
On’s Health and Wellbeing program for our veterans, as well as their family years to come.
Ivan Slavich, CEO
#sidebyside 5
Proudly
Serving
Australian
Veterans
for Over
100 Years.
Vasey RSL Care is a not-for-profit organisation offering services
for veterans, widows and partners/dependents in Victoria.
We serve those who have served our nation.
Find out more: T 1300 602 108 W www.vaseyrslcare.org.au
Ex-service Units: Affordable Accommodation for All Ages In-Home & Residential Aged Care
VASEY SAVED MY LIFE
Supporting veterans with affordable accommodation: now expanding to support
regional veterans.
Vasey RSL Care has been serving
Vasey RSL Care supports around 850
Victoria’s veterans and war widows
veterans and widows/war widows,
for a long time – over 100 years in one
through affordable accommodation
form or another.
(all ages), and in-home and
However, in the last decade, there residential aged care. They have
has been a shift in the needs of the around 270 rental units at eight
veteran community and Vasey RSL Care locations, six being across Melbourne,
is determined to extend and expand one in Geelong, and the most recent
services to help more veterans across site is Wodonga.
the state.
“We’ve done a lot of research and the
“Our Purpose is ‘To Serve Those Who Photo: General Manager Veteran Services, Chris data indicates that around 4 out of 5
Served’,” says Vasey RSL Care Chief Gray (left), with Veteran Support Coordinator, Anne
Warden and Assistant Property Manager, Hew veterans have no problem transitioning
Executive Officer, Janna Voloshin. Colebatch. into civilian live. However, 1 in 5 come
“Whether they are younger veterans in
up against employment, relationship,
need of a place to live or older veterans three members of the Veteran Services mental health and financial issues
with health issues, our goal is to Team are veterans themselves. that can have a huge impact on their
provide the support they need.
Vasey RSL Care General Manager lives. There are many ex-service
“I have had residents say to me that Veteran Services, Chris Gray, heads the organisations on the ground right
moving into Vasey RSL Care’s ex-service team: “I’ve been with the organisation across the state who are already
accommodation has saved their life: it since 2016 and I find having a service supporting these veterans,” says Chris.
is terrible to hear that some people are background just gives me a toe in the “So our expertise is based around
so close to the edge, but humbling to door when I meet new or potential accommodation and we want to work
know that our services help save lives.” residents. I guess it’s just a bit of with those ESOs to help veterans who
Vasey RSL Care has a policy to employ credibility and that unspoken shared are experiencing homelessness for
more staff with a service background: understanding,” says Chris. whatever reason.”
Health and Wellbeing
Make Exercise Stick
Four simple strategies to make training a habit.
To make exercise stick, follow these four simple principles:
1 Set concrete physical
objectives
Define your goal; create a specific
2 Make a social
commitment
Commit to others to be physically
3 Engage in
green exercise
That is, exercise in nature. We know
roadmap to reach your goal—and don’t active. Whether it be with a friend, that within the first five minutes of
be too rigid, allow for wiggle room— a class, a team, a platoon, or a CrossFit any physical activity in nature, people
there must be clear steps you can box. Humans are intensely social report major shifts in mood and their
take that lead to progress. And trust creatures, and more than any other perspective on things.
yourself and your ability to reach the species we cooperate with people
goal. You must believe that you have
the resources and the necessary
support to take each step.
we don’t know. We can harness this
innate desire to create a tribe. We can
encourage and help one another—
particularly when we or they are
4 Reward yourself
for exercising
Give yourself a healthy reward, be it
struggling. This is not a cynical self-help a cold smoothie or a movie at the end
exercise where we use our friends for of a good week.
selfish ends. In this case, to keep us
motivated. This is a genuine reciprocal Read more about the benefits
relationship of mutual support. of exercise on page 30
#sidebyside 7
BIOMETRIC TRACKING
Employment
New national mentoring program
Boeing Australia and Soldier On join forces for veteran mentoring program.
S
oldier On and Boeing Australia, the skills and contributions of former to tailor to the needs of the individual.
have teamed up to establish a service personnel, and this program Soldier On CEO, Ivan Slavich said
national mentoring program for is a fantastic way to support veterans Soldier On is delighted to partner
veterans and their family members. as they transition to a life out of with Boeing Australia on the innovative
The Soldier On and Boeing Australia uniform into civilian roles, where their new initiative. “The impact quality
Mentoring Program covers all aspects professionalism, loyalty and experience mentoring can have for a transitioning
of the veteran transitioning phase, can be meaningfully applied,” said veteran is significant. Partnering
providing structured support for Dr Brendan Nelson AO, President of with Boeing Australia to deliver this
members of the Australian Defence Boeing Australia, New Zealand and powerful program, expands access
Force (ADF) community. Specialised South Pacific. “As a large employer to the knowledge, experience and
support will be provided in areas of veterans, many of our employees guidance of leaders in their varied fields
such as career change, progression have firsthand experience of the of expertise. We expect both mentors
and planning, skill development, and challenges faced when re-entering and mentees will cement valuable
professional networking. Veterans the workforce and are committed relationships and both will be enriched
and family members will be selectively to empowering others.” Participants through the experience. This will
matched with Soldier On Pledge will look to the future to develop enable more veterans and their family
Partner employees, who will mentor goals and along with their mentor, members to thrive”.
the participant for the duration of the strategise and work together on how to
program. Long-term supporters of achieve these goals, be they personal
Soldier On programs, Boeing Australia or work related. This program will
has collaborated to establish several utilise a mentoring platform designed The first round of the mentoring
employment and connection initiatives, to create opportunities for growth program will run for 11 weeks from
and will be active participants in Soldier and development. The program is 14 March to 27 May, applicants can
On’s March On campaign. “We value participant centric, with the flexibility apply on the Soldier On Website
Changing gears
From RAAF Black Hand to Robotics Engineer.
A
drian Fussell had been a six-week work trial … I’m in
out of work for the the special vehicles division.
last eight years after We build first-response
medically discharging from vehicles, fire police, urban fire-
the RAAF as a 21 year “black fighting vehicles. They put in
hander” or aircraft technician everything, electronics, water
(ATEC). Adrian spent six tanks. It’s great fun and I love
years getting his degree in it.” Adrian has been given two
Mechatronic Engineering. projects to supervise and both
Adrian has utilised all of these projects are about giving
Soldier On’s services and the back to the community. He
HELP strategy. “They (Soldier will be the engineer designing
On) hooked me up with a the two projects for the new
rehab provider. I got my Maitland hospital which will
resume done. I got training from Varley, one of Soldier On’s Pledge both be donated to the hospital from
RAAF recognised, all sorts of things.” Partners, to see if they would take on Varley. “I wouldn’t be where I am
After unsuccessfully attempting to Adrian so he could gain some work without the support of Soldier On and
obtain work thanks to the onset of experience. Varley stepped up and all of their wonderful staff and rehab
COVID, one of Soldier On’s Pathway’s with the help of the DVA a work trial provider, Axis management. I’m very
officers approached engineering group was put in place. “They signed up for grateful I found them.”
#sidebyside 9DEPLOYABLE OUTDOOR
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AUSTRALIAN MADE AUSTRALIAN VETERAN OWNED DEFENCE FORCE APPROVED USED WORLDWIDE
www.tacfitsolutions.com.au FIND US ONLearning
Free Courses
D
id you know that you can access
Udemy online courses if you are
a Soldier On participant? You can
learn anything on Udemy, from
astronomy to zoology, and everything
in between and it’s all free thanks
to IBM who are offering Soldier On
participants another fantastic
opportunity to access a Udemy
licence for 12 months. This licence
will allow you to access over 5,400
free business courses including Cloud
Computing, IT Operations, Leadership
and Management, Data Science,
Workplace & Human Resources,
Personal Development, Marketing
and more. Licences are strictly limited
and via application only. If you’d
like to know more, drop an email to
education@soldieron.org.au.
Soldier on in townsville
Soldier On Opens Up Shop in the Queensland Garrision Town.
S
oldier On has expanded the delivery
of its Pathways Program with
employment and education support
now available in Townsville. Soldier
On’s Pathways Program provides
free practical employment and
education support for veterans and
their family members. The Pathways
Program currently supports over
3,200 participants and guides serving
and ex-serving veterans and their
families through the complexities and
emotional challenges of transitioning
to civilian careers. From providing
education support and guidance
opportunities to building awareness
among former service personnel of
how their skills and experience can be
applied in a corporate environment.
This ensures every participant is the Pathways Programs to support transition coaches who work closely
well equipped to thrive in the civilian the veteran community of Townsville. with veterans and their families to
workforce. Soldier On’s Pathways “In expanding the program, Townsville assist them in gaining meaningful
Program Director, John Hardgrave, said participants will have access to a employment following service or within
the organisation is thrilled to expand national network of employment and the posting cycle,” Mr Hardgrave said.
#sidebyside 11helping adf members and veterans
become property owners.
where could you be in 10 years
with our help?
PROUDLY SUPPORTING SOLDIER ON
SHANE ROBSON | INVESTMENT DIRECTOR
“After my first deployment, a mentor tapped me on the shoulder and told
me to save some of my income to invest in an affordable property.
This advice shaped my future for the better.
Throughout my 12 years of service, I continued buying properties.
When I discharged, I decided to share my knowledge with my ADF
community... I have been committed to helping ADF members, veterans
and their families build real, lasting wealth ever since. “
Find out how you can get started today!
NO FEES FOR MEMBERS & VETERANS
call shane robson on 0408 401 645
milvestproperty.com.au @milvestproperty @milvest_propertyParticipation
Why Volunteer?
The benefits of volunteering are many. Here’s why you should consider
volunteering for Soldier On. By Thomas Van-Lane
V
olunteering is a pursuit of passion. Success Benefits of Volunteering
People step-up, give their time
freely and contribute to causes We acknowledge volunteers efforts and The benefits are a byproduct of
because they see alignment between celebrate wins. We promote the value involvement. All someone has to do
themselves and the community they our volunteers bring to our organisa- is be involved and value is shared
serve. Motivation is different in each tion by telling the stories of how they between an individual and the
individual, but here’s some common have made a difference to veterans and community. When we get things
reasons. their families. right, a win-win situation occurs and
below are some common examples of
benefits shared or received individually.
Affiliation Empowerment
§§ Share your talents, learn new
Volunteers often find a sense of It takes courage to commit energy
skills and create a better work-life
belonging. Humans are social creatures to something which has no financial
balance
and the community-based volunteering remuneration or guarantee of outcome;
§§ Address stress, loneliness,
approach provides a place for them but it will enrich your life. Soldier On
social isolation and depression
to participate and be affiliated takes that commitment seriously and
§§ Meet new people which can help
with a group of people whom have supports it. We seek to be the “Gold
people feel more connected and
shared values and goals. Standard” and prepare our volunteers
valued
to step into various roles. This also
§§ Improve self-esteem and confidence
often includes supporting new ideas
§§ Promote physical health
and collaborating with volunteers to
§§ Develop social, professional and
align their motivations with the needs
community networks
of the veteran community.
If you’d like to participate in our volunteer program, register online at
https://soldieron.org.au/volunteer/ or contact the volunteer coordination team at
volunteering@soldieron.org.au for more information.
#sidebyside 13Over 25 years of delivering leading edge
training solutions to equip our Service
men and women for operations.
Head Office
We are proud to continue supporting those Suite 401, Level 4,
4 Railway Parade,
men and women through our sponsorship of Burwood NSW 2134,
Australia.
Soldier On’s excellent work.
www.mmcld.com.auParticipation
Dungog Rumble Raises $8.5K
Small community does big things
T
he Dungog Rumble, an annual car,
bike, truck and hotrod show, was
held again in December, and after
having being postponed many times
due to COVID-19, it was sure worth
the wait! Many people in the local
community attended to show their
support for Soldier On and young local,
Patrick Gillan, who was diagnosed with
leukaemia. The amazing efforts from
all involved, from the Dungog Rumble
committee to put the show together,
to the local businesses that supported
their efforts, as well as those that
attended raised an astounding $8500
for Soldier On! Well done.
Sailors walk for lost shipmate
Powerful reminder that “It ain’t weak to speak”
I
n January of 2021 the navy along with
HMAS Anzac lost one of its sailors
in Liam Gould. Liam was loved by all
and is sorely missed. As a result the
crew and fellow sailor LS Liam Bromley
decided to hold a 10km walk in honour
of Liam. The walk was held in Coogee,
WA with approximately 150 people
taking part, including members of
LS Gould’s family. The amount raised
for Soldier On was an outstanding
$15,000! Leading Seaman Bromley
said, “ I wanted to create this event in
memory of a great mate. I wanted it
to be an opportunity for both defence
and civilian personnel to come together
to speak about great memories with
Gouldy and to have a catch up. I hope
events like this end the stigma around
mental health and remind people
“it ain’t weak to speak”.
#sidebyside 15AS9100D ISO9001:2015
Advanced
Manufacturing
About Amiga Australian Industry Sovereign
Engineering Solutions to Capability
Empower Your Ideas Amiga Engineering Pty Ltd has the largest privately owned service bureau
in Australia for Additive Manufacturing, making it a globally advanced
Amiga Engineering Pty Ltd is an
manufacturing company. Increasing Sovereign Capability, Amiga is
industry leader of Additive building security infrastructure, expanding capabilities of the machines
Manufacturing; providing multiple used in Additive Manufacturing and employing more staff who specialize
manufacturing and engineering in this area. Amiga has a full suite of Metal and Polymer 3D printers to
solutions in one location. offer a more rounded technical service to its customers. This allows us to
Since 1988, Amiga has been provide clients with the flexibility to produce any type of product.
manufacturing for industries such
as Defence, Oil & Gas, Amiga has established test facilities which are able to test fire rounds and
record sound vibrations emanating from the test devices. Providing test
Petrochemical, Medical, Mining
facilities in-house is not only more convenient for clients, it enables
and more. With humble
Amiga to maintain its intellectual property to become a leading expert in
beginnings, Amiga became known the field of sound suppression.
as a reliable manufacturer for
critical path items, but was the Unique in design using 3D printing technology, Amiga has designed a
“World’s best kept secret” being range of specialised Suppressors; improved with CFD and FEA analysis
the 3rd party manufacturer for of
large business. Gas back pressure and explore all opportunities to minimize 'gassing'
of the shooter
Cycling/ejection reliability and consistency
Australian Made Muzzle Velocity
Suppressors and Rate of fire consistency
Point of impact changes
Components for Australian
Accuracy
Commandos and Soldiers Sight retention
Signature reduction
Amiga is constantly building on capabilities to produce high-tech products for Defence. Working with well known and
highly regarded companies and departments.
The company has grown its small business name deeper and further into a variety of industries. 3D printing has
opened up new doors of innovation and modernization of manufacture. With accreditations to AS9100D, Amiga is
empowering industries such as Aerospace, Space, Defence and Medical with superior printed, machined and also
fabricated components for end-use.
Amiga’s manufacturing and engineering capability is both broad and deep. We currently have some of the most
advanced Metal 3D printing machines available worldwide and have recently installed an additional machine to
increase capacity as part of our strategy to provide a full fit-out of products for the Australian Army within a relatively
short period.
In addition to our state-of-the-art printing machines, Amiga’s in-house CNC machining and fabrication enables us to
provide the full spectrum of finishing services. The CNC machining capability saves clients time and money by
keeping this vital step in the manufacturing process in-house. This is a perfect example of how our end-to-end, fully
integrated capabilities are continually being enhanced to better serve our clients.
Proudly Supporting our Returned Service Men & Women & Soldier On for ANZAC DayFundraising
March On with Gary
This March former commando, Blackhawk crash survivor, and now personal trainer
Gary Wilson is Marching On to support veterans. If Gary can do it, so can you.
By Todd Cole
I
t was a pitch-black night. No moon.
No-one saw the ground coming
up. Not even the pilots. Night-
vision goggles (NVGs) aren’t that
effective on cloudy, moon-less nights.
“The loadmaster might have seen it
coming,” says Gary, “because his last
words were on the flight recorder.”
The US loadmaster, who lost his life
that night, just started to alert the pilot
when “we slammed into the ground at
a stupid crazy speed,” says Gary, his
voice slurred from the brain injuries
he suffered because of the crash.
“From 200 knots to zero in a second.”
That night, June 21, 2010, at 0339,
three Australian Commandos - Private
Timothy Aplin, Private Benjamin Chuck
and Private Scott Palmer and the US
loadmaster, Brendan Silks – lost their in a darkened room, tied to a chair. shaken baby syndrome, and the injury
lives in a Blackhawk helicopter crash What’s going on here? I hear people resembles having a stroke”. Today, that
near Kandahar in Afghanistan. moving behind me, so I tried to escape, still impacts on his muscle control and
Gary survived. The aircraft hit as you do. I tried to undo what was his speech, which is slurred and slowed.
the ground, tumbled and caught around my waist, holding me down. But Gary is a soldier and a fighter
fire immediately. Pretty soon, the And got up to run. As I ran, my left and “likes to prove people wrong”.
ammunition began cooking off. foot didn’t work, so I started to fall Gary now runs Bare Coaching, a
“They found me crawling away from the forward. And went and landed on both successful personal training facility.
burning wreckage,” says Gary, “with one my hands in front of me. My left arm
arm and one leg because the other wouldn’t extend, so I smashed my face “I suffered a significant brain injury,
side of my body was broken. And then into the floor as I fell, and split my lip, which forced me to re-learn everything
once I realised I was secure, my body and all I could taste was blood. again,” he says on his website,
collapsed and I lapsed into a coma, “from eating to swallowing, from
“And then I heard a voice go, “Shit, moving to walking. What I learned
and started convulsing.” Gary was Mr Wilson, are you OK?” I was like, they
given anti-convulsion medication and during my recovery was so profound,
speak English, Australian voices, what’s I had to share it.”
casevaced by one of the three other going on here? And then the girl came
Blackhawks on the mission that night. around and she goes, ‘you were in the Gary is doing his first March On this
He has no memory of the accident, helicopter crash. You’re safe’. And she year, despite an ongoing injury to his
or the next three months in Landstuhl picked me up, put me back in the bed. left foot and hamstring that stops him
Regional Medical Centre in Germany. I was like, how can one person pick me taking long strides and makes running
He doesn’t even remember getting on up and put me back into bed? I’m 80 uncomfortable. Showing a can-do
the chopper. “So my last memory was kilos. I was 47 kilos. I’d lost half my attitude and uncommon resilience,
running past the phone in the hallway body weight.” Gary says, “I can walk until my foot
[on base] going, I should call Renee cramps up. So that’s what I’ll do.
Gary suffered bruising on his brain, I’ll grind through it.”
[Gary’s wife]. I’ll call her when I get affecting his personality, temper,
back, it’s a quick mission.” memory and cognition. He had to learn More information
Gary’s next memory is three to walk, talk and drive again. He also
months later, waking in a dark room suffered a “diffuse axonal injury”, www.barecoaching.com/
thinking he’d been captured. “I was he explains, “which is essentially www.marchonchallenge.org.au/
#sidebyside 17What started
ANZAC Day?
On the morning of
I
t was a sound plan. Capture the New Zealand Army Corp) force landed
Gallipoli Peninsula by a land force. on Gallipoli they were met with fierce
25 April 1915, an ill- This would open the Dardanelles resistance from the Turkish defenders.
fated attack began a to the Allied Navies. Ultimately, Their plan to take the Peninsula quickly
profound tradition. the objective was to capture became a stalemate.
Constantinople (now Istanbul in At the end of 1915, the allied forces
Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman were evacuated in the dead of night,
Empire, and an ally of Germany. in a skilful and ultimately successful
This would remove Turkey from the withdrawal. Both sides had suffered
war, weakening Germany to, hopefully, heavy casualties with Australia
a point of capitulation. suffering 8,000 KIA. News of the
As we all know now, it was an ill-fated landing on Gallipoli and the events
plan. When the ANZAC (Australian and that followed had a profound impact
18 SOLDIER ON Autumn 2022on Australians at home. The 25th
of April soon became the day on Why a Dawn Service? had felt in those moments before
dawn. A dawn vigil, recalling the
which Australians remember the In the First World War, the half-light wartime front line practice of the dawn
sacrifice of those who had died in of dawn was one of the most favoured ‘stand-to’, became the basis of a form
the entire war, not just the Gallipoli times for an attack, so soldiers in of commemoration in several places
campaign. defensive positions were woken in after the war.
Afrter the Second World War, ANZAC the dark before dawn in preparation. The Dawn Service is not an Army
Day also served to commemorate By the time first light crept across the specific ceremony. It is a public
the lives of Australians who died in battlefield defenders were awake, alert, ceremony with involvement
that war. The meaning of ANZAC Day and manning their weapons; this is still across all three Services of the
today includes the remembrance known as the ‘stand-to’. Australian Defence Force and is
of all Australians killed in military After the First World War, returned thought to come from the practice
operations. soldiers sought the comradeship they of “standing to”.
#sidebyside 19Pathways
Winning Program
Soldier On received the prestigious Training and Mentorship Program of the
Year award. Here’s why.
By Tiania Stevens
F
ormer Army rifleman Andrew
Horne’s recent career success
shows just why Soldier On’s
Mentor Program was recognised at the
Australian Defence Industry Awards in
December.
Soldier On received the Training and
Mentorship Program of the Year award
for their work with veterans helping
to transition them from the Defence
forces to civilian life.
The program sees former and currently
serving Australian Defence Force
members and their families matched
with a trained industry mentor to
maximise their opportunities to find
employment.
East Timor veteran Andrew, who was
paired with a BAE Systems mentor,
said the program helped him realise his
worth away from the Army.
“Coming from a Defence background,
you know personally what you have
to offer is what you have been trained
in. Unfortunately for us we downplay a
lot and don’t realise there is so much we
can offer to an organisation unless it’s
shown to us or put in front of our faces.
“For me I have an Army background
in the infantry, I thought I was only
capable of doing three or four things.
It’s important to remember we have
so many things we pick up on the way:
Above Prue Slaughter and Ivan Slavich
teamwork, professionalism, the fact proudly display the award.
you can start something and follow
through with it,” Andrew added.
Andrew said the mentoring program Hunter veteran and Soldier On return to the program as a Mentor
and his position at Soldier On helped Ambassador, Chris Harris, said the to my fellow veterans,” Chris said.
him regain his identity. program offered him the opportunity Soldier On CEO, Ivan Slavich, said the
to support his fellow veterans. organisation is thrilled to be recognised
“As soon as you get out of the Armed
Forces, you lose your uniform, your “In 2018 I was fortunate enough to as part of the awards alongside
nametag, your rank, you feel like receive Soldier On support to gain esteemed members of the Defence
you have no identity within society. employment within the Hunter Region. community.
The mentoring program opens your Soldier On’s Pathways Program was an “Recognition in these awards
eyes to your self-worth, but it also invaluable resource for me during my acknowledges the achievements
helps put veterans into roles where transition from the Australian Defence of all veterans working to transition
they have a purpose,” Andrew said. Force. It has been a great honour to to civilian life and the power of
20 SOLDIER ON Autumn 2022The
Soldier On
Pledge
Organisations that sign the
Soldier On Pledge commit to
providing veteran-supportive
recruitment, retention, training
and workplace culture. If you’re
serving or ex-serving and looking
to secure your future career
collaboration to provide effective and enable more veterans and their family contact the Pathways team to
training and mentorship.” members to thrive,” Mr Slavich added. find out more on employment@
Mr Slavich said: “Mentoring can have Soldier On was also recognised as soldieron.org.au
a significant impact on the transition a finalist in the Australian Defence or call 1300 620 380 and
experience, offering guidance and Industry Awards in the category of ask to be put through
encouragement while supporting a Veteran Support Program of the Year. to your local Pathways Officer.
sense of mateship and camaraderie. The Australian Defence Industry If you’re an organisation
“At Soldier On, our Mentoring Program Awards, which recognise excellence interested in committing to the
has seen fantastic success for both our from Defence professionals, Pledge visit www.pathways.
mentees and mentors alike. We are thrilled organisations and businesses across soldieron.org.au/the-pledge
to continue this program into the future the country, was held in December.
#sidebyside 21Pathways
New Life Path
Thanks to Soldier On, Private Thomas Apoyan made
a successful transition to the civilian workforce.
By Tiania Stevens
A
fter nearly eight years in the to move into a role with more
Army, Private Thomas Apoyan’s autonomy and ability to practice critical
training as an electronics systems thinking and decision making using
technician had taught him to be my past experiences in operations
organised, on time, meticulous – management and the Australian
and ready for anything. But it wasn’t Defence Forces (ADF).”
until the 33-year-old Adelaide-based However prepared Thomas thought
veteran decided to swap Army life for he was, he said there were still doubts
a civilian role that he realised just how whether he’d secure employment that
valuable these skills could be to future fitted his skills or if an employer would
employers. even recognise them. Not knowing
Thomas had given himself nine what support services are available
months to find employment after can heighten the disconnection
leaving the Army - while also navigating some veterans feel when making the
the planning of his own wedding and transition to civilian life and trying to
purchase of his first property – because find employment. As Thomas says,
he said prospective employers might this is where Soldier On came into
dismiss him as just another ex-military their own.
veteran that could do not much more “Soldier On really helped me on the
than hold a rifle. right path as to where I wanted my
According to Thomas, the skills career to go post-Defence. They took
veterans acquire during their time the time to understand my previous
in the military are essential for any work experience, my skill set and my
employer. He says time-management, experiences with the ADF to put me
an ability to follow instructions and in good stead for a career that I would
teamwork alongside a trade, are just a not only suit, but also enjoy.”
few of the qualities veterans can offer BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby
employers. Costigan described the importance
Instead, just three months into his of understanding the valuable skills hearing about their Pathways program
job search, Defence contractor BAE veterans can bring to an employer. at a Defence transition seminar.
Systems Australia snapped him up “Veterans have enormous value as He described the event as a “major
for the same focus and preparedness potential employees because the confidence boost.”
that he had developed during his life Australian Government has invested He went on to say,“The event helped
in the military. And it’s this experience heavily to train service men and women me realise that employers did see the
that has made Thomas urge other over many years in really diverse roles. benefits of veteran employment and
employers to recognise the skills that Service experience is considerable that veteran’s skills outside of the role
highly trained veterans could bring to and diverse. were valuable. The Pathways program
employers. “The skills a veteran brings can add provided networking opportunities
“Giving myself a long-lead time significant value to your bottom line. with representatives and organisations
ensured that if there were any set- A lot of military training is directly who were very willing to talk with me
backs, there was no pressure and applicable in civilian operations. and hear about my experiences.”
could ensure that everything was done Safety. Leadership. Logistics. Project Thomas initially approached
correctly. management. And so much more,” Soldier On’s Pathways team for help to
“I wanted to move away from Defence Ms Costigan said. spruce up his CV. However, he received
and find a career where I could stay In July 2021, Thomas attended a Soldier so much more than a new CV, instead
in one place and have an opportunity On Pathways Networking Event after very quickly he impressed not only the
22 SOLDIER ON Autumn 2022team at Soldier On but representatives available, contact organisations like a veteran-centric approach into the
at BAE Systems Australia, after being put Soldier On, take your time and see heart of their operations. They’re both
in touch with a Soldier On Ambassador what’s available.” great examples of how understanding
who worked for the Defence contractor. BAE Systems CEO, Ms Costigan, said: veterans can enrich companies, often
The rest, Thomas says, is history. “Thomas’ experience is a great example in surprising and unexpected ways.”
“I met up with the Soldier On of skills recognition to support a After spending his first week at BAE
Ambassador and found out he had successful transition to civilian life. Systems Australia, Thomas says he has
already passed my CV around the We are delighted to partner with settled into his new role and is looking
company and organised for me to meet Soldier On to support more veterans forward to his future post-Defence.
their representatives that night. From like Thomas into our workforce.” “BAE Systems didn’t make me feel like
there I interviewed with one of their National Psychology Services Manager a number, they helped me transition
project teams and was offered a for Soldier On, Joe Losinno said: into my new role and gave me the time
position. “Transitions can be a difficult period to do so. They are very understanding
“If I hadn’t taken my time to find out for veterans, however an organisation of where I have come from. A lot of
about the resources out there for like Soldier On understands their people think of a veteran as just a
transitioning veterans, I wouldn’t perspective and particular way of rifleman, I was very fortunate Soldier
be in the position I’m in now. It pays thinking. Both Soldier On and BAE On and BAE Systems recognised the
dividends to use the resources Systems Australia thrive by building skills veterans have.”
#sidebyside 23r
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Double Time
Thanks to our corporate partners matching donations, a whopping $487,000
was raised by the Stronger Together campaign.
By Barry Kenyon
National Fundraising Director
T Fundraising Initiatives
he campaign, held on Tuesday
November 9th, for 24 hours, saw
every dollar donated to Soldier On
matched by its corporate partners – Helping On regular giving
doubling every donation and enabling program
more veterans and their families to
Thanks to all the wonderful community
thrive. The Stronger Together matched-
members who have already signed
giving campaign raised $487,000 to
up to become a regular contributor
aid in the delivery of veteran support
to Soldier On during our Helping On
services.
regular giving campaign held in
In support of the matched giving December 2021. Soldier On continues
campaign, Soldier On encouraged the to receive registrations that help
Australian public to donate during the sustain our work through regular
24-hour period and create a tribute giving. Please scan this QR code if you
page where they could honour a would like to sign up and become a
friend, loved one or simply pay their regular giver today.
respects to our veteran community.
Every donation made to tribute pages
during Soldier On’s giving day was also
Invitation to receive a Gift
matched. in Will booklet
Soldier On’s matched giving day was We have had a great response to our
proudly supported by The Chau Chak new guide booklet which guides you
Wing Foundation. The foundation through how to make a long-lasting
has provided its generous support to impact for veterans by leaving a gift
Soldier On and the veteran community in your will. Please feel free to contact
for many years, providing assistance to us if you want to know more details
extend the delivery of support services and we’ll be happy to send you a free,
to those in need. confidential, and non-binding booklet
that explains what’s involved. Get in
Soldier On CEO, Ivan Slavich, said the touch with us today by scanning this
organisation was thrilled to have the QR code or visiting our website.
generous support of the public paired
with that of its corporate partners.
“We would like to thank the Australian
Visit the Soldier On fundraising
public for their ongoing support of hub to find about ways to engage
our organisation and the veteran and help
community. It was heartwarming to We have made fundraising easier with
see so many creating tribute pages the launch of our new online fundraising
and honouring loved ones and their hubs for community members to raise
service,” Mr Slavich said support through meaningful activities.
“We would also like to thank our There are many exciting options
corporate partners for their support. available to choose from or you can set
In doubling the donations made by up your own fundraising page. Please
the public, our partners are making visit here to find the ways to get involved
a tremendous commitment to the and raise support for our beloved
betterment of our veteran community,” veterans and families: www.fundraise.
Mr Slavich added. soldieron.org.au.
#sidebyside 25Proud to support
Soldier On in this
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Working together
To help veterans thrive, collaboration amongst ESOs is key to effecting long-
lasting change.
A
t last count, there’s over 60 ex- with Coke to make their consumers All this is very good, but each ESO
service organisations (ESO). healthier and happier? I think not. brings something different to a diverse
If you include RSL sub branches, But ESOs do. In fact, the sheer variety range of complex and multi-faceted
that number rises to over 3500. and number of ESOs Soldier On problems that veterans and their
That’s a good thing. The more people collaborates with allows us to do a families encounter during and after
helping veterans throughout their lives, great deal of good. Combined, ESOs service. So naturally each ESO wants to
the better. But to the more cynically can leverage our respective strengths maintain its own sense of identity while
inclined, this plethora of ESOs could and bring more political, financial and working with one another.
be seen as being in competition. In the social support to veterans and their Soldier On, of course, is Australia’s only
context of the business world, aren’t all families. For example, Soldier On has national ESO. While other ESOs work as
ESOs competing for veterans? worked with Disaster Relief Australia a state-based federated model, we are
No, quite the opposite. We are in Yeppoon by building a facility a truly national organisation, offering
charitable organisations, and we are together, and our Social Connections continuity of support no matter where
all working toward the common goal team often work with Kookaburra Kids. the service member is posted or chooses
of helping veterans and their families And Australian Peacekeepers want to live after discharge, be it Darwin, Perth
thrive and cooperation among ESOs is to make a Veteran one-stop shop of or Tasmania or anywhere in Australia for
vitally important to achieve this goal. sorts within their Canberra Veteran that matter. As an ESO, it is Soldier On’s
This is something we at Soldier On Wellbeing Centre, inviting Australian War point of difference, and something
have focused on for the last two years, Widows, Kookaburra Kids and Invictus we’ve worked very hard to achieve.
collaborating with over 50 ESOs to help Australia, among others, to be located Undoubtedly as time marches on there
veterans and their families build social on-site. Similarly, Soldier On are co- will be more collaboration and more
connections, pursue rewarding careers located with Legacy in Legacy House in integration among ESOs. And probably
and maintain mental and physical well- Melbourne and in Perth we work from even more ESOs. This can be only be a
being. It is a common, altruistic goal an RSL subbranch. In Adelaide we are good thing. Because at the end of the
all ESOs share, and antithetical to the anchor tenants in the Wellbeing hub, day, we are all working for one goal:
competitive and often cutthroat world while in Darwin we will be anchor tenants to help veterans thrive. – By Ivan Slavich,
of business. Would Pepsi ever work in a facility being built by Mates 4 Mates. as told to Todd Cole
#sidebyside 27Psychology
Hidden Figures
Female veterans are overrepresented by one tragic
statistic. We need to do more for female veterans.
It’s that simple.
Research by Shifa Fazil, Michael Le, Hannah McEniery, Ayisha Miller, Lucinda Smith
A
ll veterans face challenges. Stigma can arise in many ways.
That’s pretty well-known. But what The pressure to maintain unit cohesion
isn’t widely known or sufficiently and the tight-knit nature of service can
researched is the complex and unique cloak stigma and discourage female
problems female veterans face, both veterans from seeking help. Also a
during service and after discharge. masculine-dominated military culture
And the statistics speak for themselves: has been shown to perpetuate stigma
we need to do more for female veterans. and discourage help-seeking behaviour
in servicewomen as well.
Consider a typical female
servicewoman. Not only is the nature Soldier On Ambassador and former
of her job potentially dangerous and Army Captain and Intel officer, Sarah
traumatic, but her gender also presents Watson knows only too well the manifold
additional challenges. Research pressure of stigma. Sarah’s story is a
reaching back to WWII and through harrowing tale of protracted harassment
the Vietnam era established manifold and stalking that followed her to a
issues that affect the female veteran, posting in Iraq. Ultimately Sarah left
like sexual harassment, assault and the service in 2015 after being formally
discrimination; issues that endure to diagnosed with PTSD, and at time of
this day. writing, was preparing to give a personal
submission to the Royal Commission
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) in itself
into Veteran Suicide. “In the military
is a huge issue, but there is also the
there’s a culture of don’t jack on your
often-incompatible intersection of
mates, you don’t complain. If you make
different identities including veteran,
a formal complaint, you could be sent
daughter and, notably, mother.
home. There’s implications for the
Combined or independently, these
person you’re making the complaint
experiences unique to female veterans
about … I just wanted it to go away.”
can have devastating outcomes on
Sarah, thanks to counselling, is travelling
veteran communities.
well now, but it was a battle — “I’m taking Kelly’s problems became even more
A recent Australian Institute of Health control back” — and her experience complex when she was told she would
and Welfare (AIHW) report says this: highlights how stigma presents a barrier have to undertake significant retraining
“The age-adjusted rate of suicide for for service personnel seeking help. as well, as her role – a steward –
ex-serving females was 127 percent or would be filled by civilians in the future.
Kelly Brealey is a counsellor at Soldier On,
2.27 times higher when compared with How, Kelly asked, could she, a mother,
an ex-RAN veteran. Her experience
Australian [civilian] females.” So why is leave her infant children with an
serves as a stark example of how
this happening and what can be done? abusive husband and retrain and then
gender can complicate the problem
While more domestic research needs to go to sea?
even more. “I married a civilian when
be done, there are salient points from
I was serving at HMAS Albatross, and Kelly discovered she could discharge
overseas research.
he was violent,” says Kelly. “Somehow from the RAN, but when she left
Female veterans face unique barriers this got around base what was going on. the service, “things went downhill
when seeking help from a veteran I had two young children. I was called from there.” Kelly continues, “I ended
support agency, especially if they have into the Warrant Officer’s (WO) office up bankrupt, living out of food
experienced MST. Academic literature and she said there were rumours about hampers, living with my mum. I had
has identified stigma as one of the my abuse. Then, just three months no support. No correspondence from
largest barriers for female veterans after the birth of my second child, the ADF. I didn’t even know the DVA
seeking help for military trauma. she told me I had a sea posting.” existed.”
28 SOLDIER ON Autumn 2022This highlights another issue. Across For example, during service a military and after discharge. Indeed, the
the academic literature, lack of veteran psychologist said that she cut off Royal Commission into Veteran
identity was considered a barrier to communication with family due to Suicide made mention of this under-
accessing services for female veterans. feeling like she could not be both a studied and alarming phenomena.
Veterans who did not see themselves mother and a combat psychologist. “The experience of female defence
as veterans, or saw their experience This anecdote highlights the complex members and veterans requires
as shameful, particularly as a result of and contextual issues for returning specific attention in this inquiry, to
MST, did not feel valid to access or had mothers: of the stereotypically ascribed better understand the systemic issues
issues accessing DVA services. nurturer and warrior being seen as faced by women.”
And finally there’s the transitioning at odds, or diametrically opposed. Sadly, at present, a substantial gap
process. A small but important body Put simply, social perceptions of remains in our understanding of
of research has shown that male incompatibility. the gender-specific health needs
and female veterans may experience Ultimately, service men and women of Australian female veterans and
the transition process differently have different military experiences, there are insufficient systems in
as they return to the civilian world. face different challenges and work place to adequately address the
The transition and sudden autonomy of needs to be done to ensure female unique needs of Australian female
civilian life can be further compounded veterans are adequately supported veterans.
by being both a veteran and a mother. while in service, as well as during This needs to change. Quickly.
#sidebyside 29You can also read
