Inverell RSL Sub-Branch welfare officers provide guidance

No matter the circumstance, the regularly trained welfare officers are on-hand to provide a listening ear and first point of contact for ex-service personnel.

With confidentiality at the forefront of their work, the welfare officers may be from a different war era but can very much relate.

Two of the four local officers Hans Mouthaan and Brian McLennan explained there were a number of services, small grants, professional support and points of assistance they could refer people to.

"Even if a family is doing it tough, especially with winter, and they need a load of wood, or help with a power bill; we can assist. We have guidelines but we can make approval for payment under $1000 and give taxi vouchers," Mr Mouthaan said.

Although the two may be from the Vietnam era, both men noticed a similarity in the young soldiers "coming through today".

"The young fellas coming through are a bit lost, just like we were lost in the early days. Our work is all about getting them into the system and sometimes there are occasions where some are doing it particularly tough so we help them make appointments to see specialists," he added.

The welfare officers offer travel assistance for those who may need to go to Sydney, Lismore or city areas to see health professionals. Mr McLennan said the sub-branch pays for fuel, and as a welfare officers, they volunteered time to drive ex-service people to their city appointments.

"Same as if someone is in hospital, we'll see if they need anything or just simply if they're okay." Both men highlighted the importance of Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service's (VVCS) 1800 011 046 number.

"The service is founded by Vietnam veterans. If you ring the number they'll help and get you onto psychologists or other professionals. We know it's hard but PTSD is real," he said.

Welfare officers also send comfort parcels to current serving members in Afghanistan and Iraq. Full of confectionery, sweets and of course some Vegemite- the parcels are always well-received.

Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers' and Peacemakers' Association of Australia also take on cases on behalf of young soldiers.

"We're a bit like a one-stop shop. We can send these fellas in different directions and steer them places that may be some benefit to them."

Mr Mouthaan said his personal observation was there needed to be a better way governments could provide job opportunities and employment to ex-service personnel.

"We are very good at training these young blokes to be professional soldiers and they are among the best in the world but we are not so good at re-training them to become civilians."

If you would like to speak with a welfare officer contact Inverell's RSL Sub-Branch on 6722 2987.