SoldierOn.org.au
/SoldierOnAustralia
@SoldierOnAust
SoldierOnAust
Autumn 2020
Anzac Day Inside this edition:
Stronger together
March On
Serving On Partnership
Many of our veterans need our help and Saab Australia is proud to be supporting Soldier On's great work. Find out how we work with our veteran community:
www.saab.com.au Š Commonwealth of Australia 201 8
H O P E A N D H ELP F OR T H E N EXT M IS SION
They served their country well. It’s time to serve them well in return. We’re proud to support Australia’s veterans and those who serve in achieving a rewarding life beyond the battlespace through Soldier On.
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Contents Regular Items 4 24 31 32
Soldier On Update Activities Updates Community Fundraisers Our Corporate Partners
Feature Stories 7 9 11 13 14
Soldiering On in face of COVID19 Stronger Together March On Serving On Partnership Recognising Defence Force veteran talent and agile learning
16 17 18 21
Saints Forge On
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Fujitsu: using technology innovation to deliver benefits to society
Be a Giant support for someone The meaning of Anzac Day Soldier On commemorates Anzac Day in new ways
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SOLDIER ON  Autumn 2020
Soldier On Get in touch Ph: 1300 620 380 Email: getsupport@soldieron.org.au
About Us Soldier On enable veterans and their families to thrive. Our services aim to HELP individuals build resilience and create and expand meaningful connections with family, community and employers through: Health and Wellbeing – Psychology, social activities and programs, sporting activities and programs and service initiatives. Employment – Transition services, employment support, career-development assistance. Learning – Education and training programs, vocational training. Participation – Social activities and programs focused on connections with family, friends and the broader community, volunteering and sports programs. We support those who serve today, tomorrow and into the future. To support Soldier On, please head to our website at SOLDIERON.ORG.AU
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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 to stringent ethical advertising practices and any advertising inquiries should be directed to:
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Level 2, 310 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000 GPO Box 2466, Melbourne VIC 3001 Ph: 03 9937 0200 Fax: 03 9937 0201 Email: admin@cwaustral.com.au Web: www.cwaustral.com.au
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Soldier On Update Barely three months into the year and Soldier On has not stopped being a force of change for contemporary veterans and their families.
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e’ve only just hit May, but Soldier On has not stopped being a force of change for veterans and their families. Since September, Soldier On has run three successful fundraising campaigns, a number of thoroughly enjoyable social activities providing opportunities for participants to build support networks, and connected veterans and family members with new employers around the country. We’ve also secured the patronage of the Governor-General and Mrs Linda Hurley and been accepted as part of the Federal Government and Department of Veterans’ Affairs “Enhanced Employment Support for Veterans” Program. We’ve also watched as Australian Defence Force members assisted in firefighting and evacuation efforts over the summer. Whilst our plans for expanding into regional and metropolitan areas have been paused due to COVID-19, we are working to connect online with veterans and their families throughout the country through our Connect Hub service.
a Christian Ministry to women in Defence and has been a member of the Australian Military Wives Choir. We are also honoured that Their Excellencies have lent their support to the March On 2020 campaign, which will allow us to help defence members, veterans, and their family members impacted by the recent bushfires. The important work that is undertaken by the Australian Defence Force was brought into sharp focus during the recent bushfire crisis that engulfed our nation over the summer. Over 18.6 million hectares of land had been burnt, 2,779 homes destroyed, and 34 people had died as a result of these devastating fires. The Army, Navy and Air Force assisted the Rural Fire Services and other state emergency management agencies since September 2019, with the transport of fire crews and equipment around the state, and the evacuation of residents and holiday-makers from communities impacted by fire activity. Further support was marshalled when extreme weather was forecast to hit the NSW coast, prompting the Governor General to authorise the mobilisation of the Army Reserves.
“Soldier On would like to thank the Australian Defence Force and the Army Reserve who assisted in the firefighting and evacuation efforts, and for are continuing to serve by supporting Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soldier On would also like to thank the Rural Fire Service and other state emergency management agencies that worked to protect lives and homes.”
In November 2019 Soldier On was honoured to secure the patronage of Their Excellencies, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and Mrs Linda Hurley as Joint Patrons. Their Excellencies were Joint Patrons of Soldier On during His Excellency’s time as the 38th Governor of New South Wales. During this time, they attended many of our Sydney based launches and activities, such as the opening of Soldier On’s Innovation Hub at North Head, (Manly), and one of our Vet Connect weekends where he met and talked with the veterans.
Their Excellencies are passionate about supporting veterans and their family members; His Excellency joined the Australian Army in January 1972 serving in many roles until June 2014 when he retired as Chief of Army. Her Excellency is a member, and was the first Patron, of ‘Solid Rock’,
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2020
Members of the ADF have also been working to help the Australian public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their support has been primarily focussed on repatriation support, health, logistics and movement support to government departments such as Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australian Border Force. The ADF has also been supporting the Emergency Management Australialed (EMA) Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19. Soldier On would like to thank the Australian Defence Force and the Army Reserve who assisted in the firefighting and evacuation efforts, and for are continuing to serve by supporting Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soldier On would also like to thank the Rural Fire Service and other
state emergency management agencies that worked to protect lives and homes.
at a school, and had been working towards holding our annual deep-sea fishing expedition in Newcastle.
Soldier On is a not-for-profit organisation and it is thanks to the Australian Government and Department of Veterans’ Affairs funding for the Enhanced Employment Support for Veterans Program, corporate sponsors, trusts, philanthropic support and the generosity of the community that it is able to provide services to those who need them.
However, as with other organisations and charities around the world, Soldier On has been dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Whilst we have had to postpone a number of events, including our March and April Pathways Networking Events and some large fundraising events, we are continuing to serve Australian veterans and their families through Connect Hub, our online initiative to help support the veteran community more at this challenging time. The Connect Hub links veterans and their families to Soldier On’s online social activities, a library of useful resources, and new Psychologist-led online group support workshops.
Whilst we have had to pause our expansion into regional areas, Soldier On is proud to announce we have added two more psychologists to our Melbourne team, and are in the process of recruiting more psychologists around the country to continue offering trauma informed care to Australian veterans and their families. We have also added new members to our Western Australia, South Australia, and Canberra teams, to help veterans and their families with employment and learning opportunities. Prior to COVID-19, Soldier On had been running many excellent social activities to support the growth of support networks. We have run Segway tours, sailing activities, a question and answer session with contemporary veterans
It is during such challenges that our true colours are shown, and I know that the entire organisation will remain focused on ensuring we are delivering the best programs and services possible to help veterans and family members thrive during this challenging time.
Ivan Slavich, CEO
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Health and wellbeing
SOLDIERING ON IN FACE OF COVID19 A
midst the current COVID19 and post-bushfire climate, at Solider On we know that many Veteran’s and their families may want to act… do something… anything… in order to rise and meet the challenge of these recent extraordinary events. As Service men and women, you signed on the dotted line to commit to serve our country and it can be a reflex to still want to serve, to help in some way. But as a Veteran and out of uniform, that may leave many with feelings of confusion, maybe even frustration, helplessness or feeling demoralised regarding what to do now and how to contribute. We get it, you want to contribute. Though it may be hard to know what we can do, we know well what we can’t do. The Government restrictions on our lifestyle is apparent everywhere, which may feel sometimes as if we’ve lost our sense of choice and control in our lives. We can’t go to our favourite café, bar, beach, sporting match, shopping, social events or even our workplaces. Our expanded lifestyles have become substantially confined. Veteran’s are used to deploying for training or operations for long periods without these enjoyable activities and freedoms. Normally the distraction is the focus of working together for a unified goal. And often you can count down the days or weeks until the return home. Now we don’t know when or how long this life will be like this. If we’re used to using a goal to keep focussed, not having one can intensify the feelings of being lost as to what to do. So how can Veteran’s use our those past military experiences and skills to help now? Veteran’s are used to isolation and a major reduction of normal activities, but what can be the goal now to focus on?
Together We Can Take Action Together, we can act to slow down the spread. The impacts of each individual doing their part maintains our hospitals to attend to those in need and save lives. We can act by revising our habits and asking ourselves what we need to do to protect our loves ones, our community, and slow down the spread. We can step up to the task if we see ourselves as part of unified community that is Stronger Together. These are simple skills you can use to make helpful choices.
3. Refrain from Touching This advice is equally simple as it is hard. Refrain from touching your face, and refrain from shaking hands with other people. A technique developed by Psychologist Steven Hayes to reduce face touching is to keep a running tally of every single time you touch your face. It may take a short time to sink in, but it’s important to become conscious of it. Leave your assessment sheet in easy view. Very soon that simple act of recording your face touches will reduce it to near zero, and just seeing the recording sheet will help remind you of it (you can teach your kids this way too).
4. Reach Out to Others In the middle of this outbreak, a lot of people will feel scared, lonely, and isolated. Now is the time to call friends or family, let them know you care about them and be there for one another. Use video connections via Face time, zoom and skype etc as much as you can so you get the face-to-face experience. We’re wired to be social and we respond to other’s facial expressions and synchronicity of shared emotions. Check in on your mates and ask, R U OK? This situation can increase feelings of stress and we must not forget our personal needs of wellbeing and those needs for others. Check out Soldier On’s Connect Hub to find coffee catch ups, family competitions and group workshops you can do https://soldieron.org.au/connect-hub/
5. Choose your Attitude Do these restrictions suck? Yes. Are we used to embracing the suck? Yes! But you have the option to go one step further than acceptance of what is difficult, the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra. You can do this by choosing an attitude that you’ve made a choice of Stronger Together actions. It’s hard to find positives when the habit of the human mind is to notice the negatives, to look for threat and focus on problems. Veteran’s are especially trained and wired to solve problems. Right now there is so much negative media and frightened people. A task for the ordinary every day hero… and it’s a hard task… is to find gratitude in this current climate. The task of an ordinary every day hero is to redirect their attention to the things they are grateful for.
1. Stay Home
This can be an end of day routine you do on your own, with your family, a friend or write in a diary. And what we know is that gratitude helps our health and well-being which is something that should be contagious.
The important thing to do right now is to create a physical distance to reduce the spread—to stay home, only go out if necessary, and cancel all social events.
By doing these tasks the ordinary hero can help slow to spread of covid19. And it is our hope that you can find gratitude for all our brothers and sisters who stand together by being apart.
This is how YOU get to say how you deal with this challenge:
Together we are stronger together.
STRONGER TOGETHER ACTIONS
Will I do what is needed? Will I stock up only what is needed (e.g., for two weeks, not three months)? Will I go out as little as possible? This is not only sensible, but it is also mission essential. How you answer these questions is up to you but your actions can affect everyone in the community.
2. Wash your Hands Washing is so simple, yet easy to dismiss. Washing your hands is still one of the most effective things you can do to protect yourself from catching the virus. You know you need to do it regularly, do it thoroughly, and do it for at least 20 seconds. Pay attention to areas under the fingernails and between the webbing of the fingers. https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/ Content/how-to-wash-and-dry-hands
Written by Soldier On Psychologists; Kaye Adams (Navy Veteran) and Joe Losinno (Army Veteran) Reference: Psychology Today article by Steven Hayes: The
Ordinary Corona Hero: You How you can act heroically in the face of a pandemic) For more resources on mental health and supports; https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/ https://soldieron.org.au/connect-hub/ https://soldieron.org.au/get-support/
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SUPPORTING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES At Open Arms your wellbeing is our business. We offer free: confidential counselling for individuals, couples and families group programs transition workshops peer networks suicide prevention training information, education, self-help resources, and more...
To get support or find out more call or visit:
1800 011 046
OpenArms.gov.au
Fundraising Campaigns
Stronger Together On Thursday 7 November 2019, Soldier On launched its second annual Stronger Together campaign in the lead-up to Remembrance Day. The 24‑hour unique fundraising initiative was held in support of Australian contemporary veterans and their families.
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oldier On raised over $500,000 and had the support of Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Their Excellencies General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and Mrs Linda Hurley, Strongman and AFP Commander Grant Edwards, Network Seven personalities Sam and Kochie, multiple corporations, and former Wallaby Ben Alexander. The campaign raised much needed funds and awareness in the lead-up to the day when the nation pauses to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Soldier On challenged Australians to arm wrestle wherever they were, at work or at home, as a reminder that Australia’s veterans and their families need to be supported post-service. Soldier On would like to thank everyone who supported the Stronger Together 2019 campaign and we look forward to arm-wrestling with you again in 2020.
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Entry to the RAAF Museum is FREE!! Opening Hours: 10:00am to 3:00pm Tuesday to Friday
The RAAF Museum, located at Point Cook, is home to an amazing range of historic military aircraft. A great chance to view these rare machines is at the interactive flying displays, which are held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 1:00 pm (weat her permitting). The Museum has a vast collection of historical material on show, including several hangars with static aircraft, and offers visitors an exciting experience and insight into the history of the Air Force. Models, books, patches, clothing and mementos can be purchased at the Museum shop.
10:00am to 5:00pm Weekends and Public Holidays Closed Mondays, Christmas Day & Good Friday Telephone: (03) 8348 6040 Fax: (03) 8348 6692 Web: www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum Email: RAAF.MuseumInfo@defence.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/RAAF.Museum
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Fundraising Campaigns
March On S
oldier On kicked off 2020 with our ‘March On with Soldier On’ walking challenge. The campaign was inspired by the Kokoda Trek, and encouraged Australians to complete a marathon 96kms in honour of Australian contemporary veterans and their families. There were three options available; “The Hill” which required participants to walk the 96km distance during March, 3.1km per day, “The Mountain” a 96km course set up in each Australian capital city, or most gruelling of all, “The Pinnacle”, the Kokoda Trek in Papua New Guinea. People around the country have been walking, some completing the 96kms across the month of March, others completing it in just over a week, whilst some more ambitious people have completed the challenge in a weekend. Their Excellencies, The Governor General and Mrs Linda Hurley, pledged their full support to March On with Soldier On campaign, and called on fellow Australians to get involved.
“As Joint Patrons of Soldier On, Linda and I are pleased to support the March On initiative. The memory and legacy of Kokoda is part of the Australian identity. March On is an opportunity to support Soldier On and our modern veterans while remembering Kokoda and honouring the sacrifice of those who served. We encourage all Australians to get involved.”
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Serving On partnership In January we launched the expansion of our Serving On volunteering program, with the first activity held at Wayside Chapel in Potts Point this Thursday 30 January 2020.
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erving On supports veterans to build skills, resilience and connection through meaningful volunteer work and has now expanded to Sydney and Melbourne, and will be running in Adelaide from mid-2020, thanks to a long-term partnership with BAE Systems Australia.
Too often when personnel leave the Defence Force, they lose the sense of community they spent years building.
The Serving On program involves a monthly project in various locations, in collaboration with other communitybased organisations.
Soldier On CEO Ivan Slavich said: “Those who join the ADF do so to serve, to give back, and to protect their country. Hanging up the uniform doesn’t stop those feelings of wanting to serve.
For the launch activity we visited Wayside Chapel where our volunteers spent the day in Kings Cross, learning about life on the streets and cooking and serving meals for the homeless, and assisting in cleaning and packing down after lunch. A week later we saw the program kick off in Melbourne with One Voice – a local homeless organisation – where we took part in a working bee for one of their community housing sites. On average, there are approximately 6,000 service personnel separating from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) each year, and one in four ex-service men and women will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime.
These issues and difficulties in adjusting to civilian life are preventable through participation in early intervention and pro-active support programs, such as Serving On.
“Since its founding, Soldier On has received enquiries from Defence personnel and their family members who want to keep giving back to the community. Despite significant improvements in the range of support services available, many contemporary Defence personnel still struggle to find meaningful work,” “Serving On provides veterans with that important social connection, while building skills for future employment and allowing them to contribute and continue serving through meaningful community projects, work and impactful projects that help people and communities,” said Ivan. Danielle Mesa, Chief People Officer at BAE Systems Australia said,“We are proud of the men and women who have served our country, and are grateful for their sacrifice. This is why our partnership with Soldier On is so important – to support Australia’s veterans secure their futures after their service to our country.” “A key aspect of the program is BAE Systems employees volunteering side by side with Soldier On veteran participants on the projects. This allows veterans to network and build relationships outside the ADF community, and gives our people the opportunity to support and develop the skills of those who have given so much for us.” #sidebyside
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Learning
Recognising Defence Force Veteran Talent and Agile Learning Australia’s Defence Force veterans embody an incredible wealth of skills, leadership, loyalty, and valuable experience. This is something we at Soldier On recognise and embrace.
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here is a growing understanding amongst employers that Defence Force veterans represent a ready-to-go, dynamic, and skilled workforce that has determination and a strong work ethic. Solider On are working towards bridging the gap in understanding between civilian employers and education institutions by providing job opportunities, marketing the incredible talent of veterans to our many pledge companies, offering veterans the opportunities to have their vast skills recognised and further engagement in learning for civilian roles. Preparing to leave the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can be a challenging experience, however with careful planning and support from the Soldier On Pathways Team you can make the transition a far more transparent process. The job landscape in Australia is always changing, especially now in difficult economic times, and being prepared and confident is crucial.
"With current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic industries are having to change their business practices and training will also need to match the needs of business."
According to IBISWORLD some of the most in demand industries for 2020 have been: §§ §§ §§ §§ §§
Finance Superannuation Mining Management Consulting Accounting Services
In terms of learning, Soldier On has Education Partners who deliver courses on all these identified industries and more including Cybersecurity (Courses, Skillsets, and Certifications), Business and Project Management and Recognition of Prior Learning services. Education at Soldier On can assist you in navigating the world of learning and identify not just areas of interest but in developing skills and obtaining nationally accredited qualifications to fill gaps. With current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic industries are having to change their business practices and training will also need to match the needs of business. Decision making needs to become more dynamic. At present the Logistics and Warehousing industry is working harder than ever to supply goods and supermarkets are being challenged to meet the ever-increasing demand from consumers. The Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry (FMCG) is in a high growth phase.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2020
The question here is how can Solider On assist you in upskilling for these industries? Education can assist you to seize the day with courses in logistics, truck licences and retail courses, especially for family members who may be new to the workforce. Courses available with flexible and online options: §§ Diploma of Logistics §§ Cert III in Retail §§ Diploma of Retail Leadership There is also an obvious and crucial role to be played by technology and data. The ability to be resilient and agile coupled with a dynamic edge is paramount. It is up to companies to ensure that their workforce is sized for purpose and ensuring their employees are skilled for challenges of the digital world. This is highly pertinent with Work from Home policies being enacted by many organisations.
How does this translate to the learning space? Through our learning partners at Soldier On we are offering upcoming foundational courses in Cybersecurity as well as valuable skillsets and advanced certifications to plug knowledge gaps and ensure currency. So, if you are just beginning a career in the world of IT and cybersecurity, or if you are an existing IT specialist, there are learning opportunities which can bolster your knowledge and skillset whether you are working in private or public sector roles. On a final note we must remember, “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” ― Dwight D. Eisenhower, former U.S. President
Please email education@soldieron.org.au for a comprehensive learning consultation. For more information about the industries that are in demand head to: https://www.ibisworld.com/ australia/industry-trends/biggest-industries-byrevenue/
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Saints Forge On The St Kilda Football Club has vowed to fight on despite the enormous impact of the Coronavirus on the AFL Industry.
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he postponement of the AFL season due to containment measures has seen the club take unprecedented action to cut costs.
But despite the size of the challenge laid before the Saints, President Andrew Bassat has declared the club is up for the fight. “We are obviously feeling for all of those who have been seriously impacted by this horrible pandemic. And while football is not exactly front of mind for anyone right now, we need our community and partners to rally behind us,” he said. “It is our duty now to forge on. St Kilda has existed for 147 years and we need it to be here for many generations to come. “There is too much history and too many people who care deeply about this club for us to allow any other outcome. “And we have some unfinished business, including delivering our second flag to our deserving members. Bassat the club had been humbled by the countless messages of support from members. “It’s been humbling our membership tally has continued to rise and thousands have sent messages of support,” he said. “We thank our fans for their loyalty and promise to show how much this means to us once we get back on the field. “History shows us that all pandemics end at some point and I am certain it will end, and footy will be back. “And when it does, with the support of the St Kilda faithful, we intend to emerge stronger than ever.”
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2020
Be a
Giant
Support
for someone Following the abrupt finish to our fourth AFLW season, I ride out this global pandemic in isolation on the family farm in the hills of Western Australia.
Written by GWS player Jacinda Barclay
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ith both parents serving out 20 years between them in the New Zealand Armed forces, we support our fallen soldiers. We are one. #ANZACS.
Whilst we can’t extend a hand at this time, we can extend our words which travel far and wide. With any spare time you may have, please reach out. Check in on someone. Offer words of reassurance, kindness, support and love. Be a friend, be a mate, be a date … but remember to keep your social distancing metres! You never know who could be enlightened, uplifted or inspired by your contact and never doubt your own ability to influence someone for the better, with heart you can’t go wrong! Some of our most strongest and resilient soldiers are left fighting their own mental, physical and financial battles. Remind them that they CAN, that there is light at the end of the tunnel, to just keep pushing forward and most importantly that there is power in positivity. Stay safe, active and healthy and don’t forget, be a Giant Support for someone.
#SoldierOn
Above Flying the flag from our family farm as I go tearing down the drive at 8kms for the rubbish run.
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The meaning of
Anzac Day In this time of Covid-19, Australia marks Anzac Day without dawn services and marches. Instead, a private ceremony will be broadcast from the Australian War Memorial. It’s another change in a unique Australian commemoration that’s been evolving for more than a century.
By Graeme Dobell
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nzac Day is a fixed moment of season and a day of remembrance with shifting meanings. The leaves change, the chill begins, the football launches, and then it’s 25 April, the day for The March. In many households it’s capitalised like that—The March. The March stands for a lot of things. The medals come out and the old comrades assemble for the annual parade to mark their memories. For me, as a child in the 1950s and a teen in the 1960s, The March meant Melbourne’s St Kilda Road, leading to the Shrine. We clapped loud for my father and his revered and raucous 9th Division mates, striding in step like the young soldiers they’d been. We knew that this was the magnificent 9th. They swaggered again. The applause was different, gentler, for the slow-moving, ghosting ranks of my grandfather’s World War I division of original Anzacs. As the 1950s turned into the 1960s, I vaguely grasped the tensions and the divides, even the politics that swirled beneath Anzac Day. Many of those conflicts of meaning and memory have faded. The original Anzacs are all gone. And most of the sons of Anzac who marched off to World War II march no more.
Article reproduced from The Strategist https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/themeaning-of-anzac-day/
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2020
My father’s generation grew up knowing the Anzac legend in intimate ways. The original Anzacs stood before them as fathers and uncles—or stared down at them as pictures and medals on the mantle, amid the souvenirs of France.
In the 1920s and 1930s, many were taught the legend as a defining expression of Australia as a new nation. Others got the opposing story about a massive waste—sometimes from the lips of those original Anzacs. The understanding of Anzac Day is ever contested. Yet the divides across Australia society are no longer as vivid or as powerful. Today’s Anzac Day more easily aligns personal remembrance, Australian identity and political purpose. And perhaps the politics doesn’t throb as forcefully. Not least in this simplification is that previous struggles about Australian identity are forgotten. See this by considering what was once a hallowed term, as important in its way as Anzac: the Australian Imperial Force. My mum’s father was in the 1st AIF, my father in the 2nd AIF. For my father, the sense of continuity was as much about the AIF as the Anzac legend. The AIF was an identity as significant as the slouch hat. When our military were named the Australian Defence Force in the 1970s, Defence Secretary Arthur Tange and his political masters well understood which bit of the tradition they were honouring and which bit had already died. At its inception, the contest over the meaning and ownership of Anzac Day was the tension between Australian and Imperial. For some, empire and Australia were inextricably united. Others believed Australia had sacrificed her youth to unworthy imperial ends.
Mix into this the great political and sectarian divide that cut through Australia during the conscription referendums of World War I, and ached for decades. For 25 years, Catholics were discouraged from taking part in Anzac Day as a ‘non-denominational’ ceremony honouring the dead. As the journalist Jack Waterford notes, the chief Catholic military chaplain, Archbishop Daniel Mannix, considered Anzac Day ‘forbidden to Catholics’ and regarded the RSL hierarchy as ‘morally equivalent to high-grade Freemason, which, of course, they often were’. On its foundation in 1916, the RSL’s full title was the ‘Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia’. Imperial meant British and Mannix wouldn’t nod to that, or to the officer class at the top of the RSL. The RSL’s grip on Anzac Day meant a deeply conservative organisation wielded a great Australian talisman through the 20th century. As a Protestant, my dad was on the other side of the sectarian divide. While he laughed at the RSL when it was in jingo mode, he served on RSL committees for many years and was a proud life member. He thought the league did more good than harm. When old mates were in trouble, the RSL was a network that could be quickly mobilised. The Imperial versus Australian struggle is absent from today’s understanding of Anzac. The shift from a British to an Australian identity can be traced through the life of Charles Bean, who inscribed the Anzac legend into the official history of World War I and helped create the War Memorial in Canberra. #sidebyside
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In Ross Coulthart’s fine biography, Bean starts out as the most jingoistic of Britons, thrilled by imperial might and notions of British racial superiority and purity: ‘Despite this, what is intriguing about Charles Bean is how his personal life story tracks the origins of Australian nationalism. Over the coming decades, his own growing sense of Australian self-identity would transform so much of what he and all Australians had once so passionately believed.’
In movies like Breaker Morant and Gallipoli, the British officer class was bludgeoned. Just recently, The Water Diviner portrayed a Turkish commander at Gallipoli as a far more sympathetic character than the arrogant Pom officer who tries to thwart the hero’s search for his dead Anzac sons.
The journey from Imperial to Australian is part of the story of how the meaning of Anzac Day has been remade, becoming less overtly political or even geopolitical.
The public usage these days has many elements that would jar with the quasi-religious remembrance of earlier generations: Anzac Day football would have been as sacrilegious as the once taboo idea of playing footy on a Sunday.
The annual moment of memory has evolved. And what we remember has changed. The imperial element has faded from the commemoration of the AIF in the two world wars. In the way the Anzacs are remembered today, you’d hardly know they served British commanders on a British mission. Now they are honoured as Australians embodying an Australian ethos. The slouch hat mystique means today’s ADF inherits much from the Anzacs. But the public understanding sees the Anzacs as having enlisted in the ADF, not the AIF. Anzac Day has buried the British dimension. The idea of the Australian Briton has been interred along with the empire.
As a Vietnam-era movie, Gallipoli was also making a point about going to war on behalf of the great ally, new or old. An enduring continuity is the debate about the cost of serving the alliance.
We still play two-up after The March, but much else of that society has gone. No memory now of the dry decades when Victoria’s pubs closed at 6 pm, a discipline imposed during World War I that persisted for 50 years as an emblem of Oz wowserism.
"The understanding of Anzac Day is ever contested. Yet the divides across Australia society are no longer as vivid or as powerful."
In earlier eras, The March, as much as the 6 o’clock swill, was private men’s business. Australia saluted Anzac Day and then stood back as the returned comrades gathered to drink and commemorate and, for a moment, share the nightmares as well as the memories. Anzac Day mattered to my father in complex ways. With the 9th Division, he’d taken a bit of shrapnel in the head during El Alamein and been back on the line within a week. He served in the 9th Division landings at Lae, Finschafen and Tarakan.
To see the shift, come join me for a 1950’s memory at the Carrum State School in Victoria. Every Monday morning, we assembled for a rendition of God Save the Queen and recited the national salute as Victorian state schoolkids had since 1901:
By Tarakan, he remembered, the veterans thought the war would never end. Not many of the original division would be still going if they had to fight all the way to Tokyo.
I love God and my country. I honour the flag, I will serve the Queen, and cheerfully obey my parents, teachers and the law.
My mother dreaded Anzac Day. It meant the nightmares were likely to recur. Often it was the Japanese and the jungle.
We used to zoom through that final ‘cheerfully obey’ line like a bunch of staccato chooks.
The Vietnam veterans cracked the code of silence bequeathed by men from the AIF. Or, perhaps, Australian society was ready to listen to the Vietnam vets in ways that they could not bear to hear from the AIF.
The conception of Australian Britons echoed through my Monday assembly. Serving the Queen seemed a natural enough commitment to be grouped with God and flag— all obeyed with a smile. Even as those sentiments were being affirmed to the kids, the imperial settings had been blasted out of Australian geopolitics, rapidly evaporating as a force. The nation with its own continent could find all the identity it needed in the wide brown land. We are a pragmatic people, quick to abandon what no longer works. As Britain’s power waned, so did the once powerful characteristics of the Australian Briton. Anzac Day’s exclusively Australian identity expanded to take the whole space of memory. Date the final sunset of the Oz Briton as the moment Sir Robert Menzies retired as prime minister in 1966. He left not long after provoking mirth by proposing that when Australia abandoned pounds and shillings, the new note should be called the ‘royal’. Allegiance had shifted—we adopted the dollar, not the royal, to honour the replacement great-and-powerful ally. Popular culture reflected the elevation of Australian qualities and disowning of the imperial mission.
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The change is reflected in the different tone of Anzac Day, no longer secret bloke business. Because of the Vietnam vets, my father got the chance for an incredibly valuable benefit from Veterans’ Affairs. He talked to a psychiatric counsellor about his nightmares and gained new insight into the demons he’d so successfully fought in a career as a great teacher and husband and father. The memories he’d tried to confine to Anzac Day were reexamined and re-explained. After that, Dad agreed to take out his medals occasionally and to talk to groups of school children at the memorial. It was the action of a born schoolteacher who served the Victorian Education Department with devotion equal to that he gave the 9th Division. Those talks to kids at the War Memorial about the experience of war and remembrance were a sign that the memories didn’t strike so harshly—and so he was able to take my son to a dawn service. Towards the end, my father managed to change his personal meaning of Anzac Day, just as Australia has reshaped its understanding of what we mark on 25 April.
Soldier On commemorates
ANZAC Day
in new ways
As dawn broke on ANZAC Day 2020, Australians across the nation stood united, despite having to remain socially distant. By standing out on their driveways to commemorate those who have served and to show support for those serving in the defences forces today.
T
his year traditional public ANZAC Day services, events and parades were cancelled or moved online where possible, due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
Soldier On partnered with the ‘Aussies and Kiwis for ANZACs’ Facebook group who developed a new ‘Driveway at Dawn’ app, which enabled people to play ANZAC Day services via an app, whilst standing on their driveway or balcony at dawn, as a show of support for the veteran community. The app also streamed a ‘105 Songs for 105 Years’ concert on ANZAC Day afternoon. Soldier On produced a contemporary commemorative service which was streamed online on the Soldier On website and Soldier On Youtube channel, receiving over 100,000 unique views and growing the digital reach of Soldier On significantly. The unique virtual service incorporated traditional readings, the laying of the wreath, a commemorative address by Governor General David Hurley, AC, DSC, ‘The Last Post’ by the Band of the Royal the Royal Military College, and a new rendition of ‘I was only 19’ by Shannon Noll. Chief executive of Soldier On, Ivan Slavich: “Australians have been facing new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ANZAC tradition – the ideals of courage, endurance and mateship are still relevant and clear to see this ANZAC Day,” he said. “It was an honour to be able to show our support for veterans and their families and unite in this way, whilst
staying home. The Soldier On commemorative service gave people the chance to join together in a different way, by viewing the virtual service to commemorate veterans, past and present, online from home.” Following on from the commemorative service, Soldier On live-streamed an interactive Q&A session with Soldier On representatives and ambassadors across multiple social media channels. This was a lively way for the public, and veterans and their families, to directly ask questions and communicate with the Solider On community on this significant day. As part of Soldier On’s annual ‘In Their Honour’ campaign, the public were also invited to read the post-service accounts of our WWI veterans, as provided by the Australian War Memorial, alongside personal stories from veterans of today and to share messages of support and memories using the hashtag #InTheirHonour. In light of the ongoing social distancing measures due to COVID-19, Soldier On has launched a number of new online initiatives. The ‘Connect Hub’ is a new way for veterans and their families to stay connected, keep informed and be engaged with Soldier On. The digital Connect Hub links veterans and their families with Soldier On’s latest online social activities, new Psychologist-led online group support workshops, education and employment opportunities and an online library of useful resources. To find out more go to: https://soldieron.org.au/connect-hub/ #sidebyside
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Being online has made meeting and interacting with others easier than ever before, but it’s important to know how to stay safe.
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Question suspicious accounts, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t seem right - not everyone is who they say they are. Avoid meeting someone in person that you have only ever spoken to online. However, if you do meet, choose a public place and take someone with you. If something goes wrong, know how to block or un-match and report. Your safety should always come first!
Sometimes things don’t go to plan but there is always help available. For more information, visit www.thinkuknow.org.au ThinkUKnow is a national online child safety program led by the Australian Federal Police, delivered in schools through educational presentations and resources for young people and their parents and carers.
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Fujitsu: using technology innovation to deliver benefits to society
F
ujitsu, a proud partner of Soldier On since 2015, is an ICT company that prides itself on its reputation for both innovation and social responsibility. Using technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation combined with Fujitsu’s skills as an IT integrator, Fujitsu are developing exciting IT solutions that solve social and environmental problems. In this article, Fujitsu share how they partnered with the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program to use drones and artificial intelligence to help detect endangered species in NSW bushland. In NSW alone, there are approximately 1,000 plant and animal species under threat of extinction. Saving these species is crucial to the ongoing health of the various ecosystems in NSW. However, monitoring such a broad area can be prohibitively expensive, especially when considering the cost of chartering and fuelling helicopters to do aerial surveys. Fujitsu identified the opportunity to apply advanced drone technology, combined with video analytics and spatial mapping technologies, to reduce the cost of monitoring and make the identification process more efficient.
Above Senecio linearifolius var dangarensis – one of the threatened plant species that was successfully identified during the trial. (Photo credit: Lucas Grenadier)
The ‘Digital Owl’ project uses Fujitsu’s highperformance computing, video analytics and drone technology to capture and analyse video information over a broad geographic area. The information can then be used to help locate endangered species for management, and invasive plant species for eradication purposes. The project was first piloted in remote bushland at Mount Dangar in the Goulburn River National Park, NSW. The trial resulted in successful identification of the endangered plant species, Acacia dangarensis and Senecio linearifolius var. dangarensis, both of which are feared to be facing extinction, but were found growing in the wild. These plants are unique to the Mt Dangar area and are so endangered that their exact location is not shared with the general public. This solution has the potential to improve the efficiency of identifying and locating particular plant species, which often requires exploring vast forest areas by helicopter. Use of the drone provides a significant saving in the cost of helicopter charter and fuel as well as a reduction in emissions. Artificial intelligence is used to analyse the drone photos and pinpoint the exact location of the endangered plants. Fujitsu is now exploring the application of this technology for a wide range of related purposes in Australia and New Zealand, including in bushfire recovery applications. To learn more about this project visit the Fujitsu website, where you can also get in touch with the co-creation team to explore how a workshop in Fujitsu’s Digital Technology Centre could help your business solve problems in innovative ways. #sidebyside
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Activities Updates
ACT Serving On - Bushfire Recovery Project For a group of veterans, strumming a guitar or playing the trumpet is a stress relief, a way to spend time with a group of like-minded people, and investing in yourself. But for this group of veterans, they wanted to do more. Colin Greef, who originally hatched the idea of teaching kids how to play the guitar and gathering second-hand instruments, has said that he and the group of veterans want to give the sense of mateship that they experience to younger generations.
Rainbow Technique Massage Prior to COVID-19, Soldier On ACT was offering Rainbow Technique monthly massages, thanks to local practitioners Vanessa and Jennifer. Raindrop Technique combines the benefits of soothing massage movements with reflexology and aromatherapy to bring peace to body and mind. With up to 140 drops of essential oils applied during a single session, this beautiful modality allows the receiver to experience some time to themselves while relaxing the muscles along the neck and spine to ease tension and aid movement. Once social restrictions have been lifted, and it is possible to resume this activity, Soldier On ACT will look to continue offering the monthly massages. For more information please email act@soldieron.org.au
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2020
“Every now and then we’ll play at a nursing home or a retirement village. We want to give something back to the oldies in the nursing homes, but also, now, we want to start giving something to the young kids.” Nohra, D (2019, November 7). Let there be music for the poor kids missing out. Canberra CityNews, p. 12. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/citynews/ docs/191107_citynews/4?ff The project to get guitars to disadvantaged children has taken off, with guitars going to PCYC in Erindale, the youth charity Kulture Break, an African choir of orphans that was in Canberra at the time, and Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation, an initiative helping former detainees who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Two of the donated guitars have also gone to two young boys whose dad was ex-army and a federal police officer, who passed away due to a brain tumour. One of the guitars was donated from a lady in Weetangera that had belonged to her brother who was also a former policeman and had died from a brain tumour. According to Chris, when the two boys were presented with the guitars it was a very emotional moment and they were thrilled to receive such special gifts. Most recently, Colin and Mike headed out to Dalgety and Adaminaby in NSW to deliver guitars and ukuleles to students affected by the bushfires. The principal said, “I am so very grateful for you travelling to us, your extremely generous gifts and the joy you brought to my students.”
NSW School Question and Answer Session Recently our Port Macquarie staff member and a few local veterans headed to St Columba Anglican School, which sponsors a monthly coffee catch up at the school café, for a question and answer session with the Year 11 Modern History class. The Q&A session was to provide the students with some insight into what it was like serving in Afghanistan. The students thoroughly enjoyed being able to talk to the veterans who came along, and appreciated the time and honesty, saying: §§ “Such a sweet, lovely, kind and gentle soul- so impressive to see these qualities when he was a big buff guy... loved his insights.” §§ “So determined and clear on his vision and helps so many people now.” §§ “So good to see a good story from the armed services that you can serve and return back to normal work without obvious shackles of the past.”
Serving On – Wayside Chapel In February Soldier On and BAE launched Serving On, the volunteer program allowing veterans and family members the opportunity to volunteer for charities around Sydney. Soldier On Programs Officer Mel Waters and the volunteers spent the day touring Wayside Chapel and assisting with cooking and serving lunch to the local visitors.
§§ “Such a quiet, young and gentle person- it was so good to see the other jobs that are on offer in the military. He has a way with people and it was so impressive to see him still giving back through his job at New Horizons.” §§ “His story was so compelling- he took some time to open up but when he did, his story stuck with us. It was so sad to see him suffer and lose a friend- we can’t believe he let us hold his bangle of his mate who died. I really appreciated the fact he valued mindfulness activities like yoga and meditation.” Soldier On has since heard that the students are now researching some of the names of those who passed away and they have specifically chosen people the veterans mentioned in the Q&A session.
#sidebyside
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Activities Updates
Segway Tour – sponsored by DHA Local Newcastle and Sydney staff were joined by 20 Soldier On participants including their families recently to take part in a guided Segway tour of the Hunter Valley. Generously sponsored by Defence Housing Australia, the aim of this activity was to provide a fun day out for families and individuals, getting active and connecting against the beautiful backdrop of the Hunter Valley region. Just some of the feedback from participants included: “Thanks for the opportunity, we had a really great time! We enjoyed meeting other service families and thoroughly enjoyed the activity. My own personal highlight was meeting other service members both current and ex serving, the chance to chat and network with Tri-service members was invaluable.” “Just reinforced that I don’t always need to have friends to go out and do fun activities, that I can go along on my own and make new connections.” “It made me smile and I was able to meet other people, some in a similar situation.”
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2020
Sailing Article written by Lloyd Harris I recently spent the day volunteering with Soldier On out on the water with their partner not-for-profit organisation, Maritime Warrior. I had such an incredible day and wanted to share my experience with you.
QLD
Soldier On’s mission is: to work side by side with those who serve and protect Australia, and their families, HELPing them to secure their futures. Maritime Warrior is a unique veteran wellness and upskill project which supports a variety of c harities, including Soldier On, through the use of chartered sailing vessels. Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation (BITA) General Manager, Mitchell Turvey is an active supporter of Soldier On and had organised for myself to represent BITA and assist Soldier On at one of these unique sailing events, and it was an experience I won’t forget. I was introduced to the team from Maritime Warrior at Runaway Bay Marina on the Gold Coast along with 10 other veterans from the Australian Defence Force, all with different backgrounds but one thing in common, to reconnect with other people who had served. First, we headed to a beach nearby for an ocean swim and a chance to connect. The water was really therapeutic and you could see everyone relax, smile and let themselves be in the moment. There were no phones or devices and I think everyone enjoyed being disconnected from the world. Conversations began to flow and bonds started to form, we shared service and life stories and started to relax in each other’s company. After morning tea, we began our education on the ship and how to sail. We practiced drills and learned about ship and water safety. The crew had a vast knowledge of the ocean and sailing, and we were all eager to learn. We then left the Gold Coast Broadwater and headed out to sea. When we turned the engines off and set sail it was truly awe inspiring. The calming aspect of the ocean and the wind had an instant impact on everyone on board. To top it all off, a huge pod of dolphins swam by to signify the days end. We sailed next to the dolphins for over a half an hour and I don’t think anyone on board had anything on their minds except what was in front of them - no stress, no anxiety, nothing. As the day came to an end, it was time to part ways, but it certainly wouldn’t be forever. All of us will be back again to support Soldier On and Maritime Warrior and the great work they are doing. I encourage anyone interested in an experience like this to get involved by volunteering or donating. You can learn more about these organisations via the links below. https://soldieron.org.au/ http://maritimewarrior.org/ http://runamukcruises.com.au/
Top The pod of playful dolphins swimming alongside our boat, The Lady Katherine. Right Lloyd Harris seated on the right..
#sidebyside
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Activities Updates
SA Pathways Networking Event
Expanding team – Programs officer looking after activities Soldier On is delighted to welcome Steve Langdon as the Social Connections Programs Officer for the South Australian team. Steve has come to Soldier On from the Australian Army where he served in multiple roles. With Steve joining the South Australia team, Soldier On will be able to organise more social activities so that Australian Defence Force personnel and their families will be able to build support networks. We look forward to seeing you at the next event.
The first Soldier On Pathways Networking Event took place in mid-March at the Mawson Lakes Campus of Uni SA and provided many opportunities for dozens of veterans and their families to meet with Soldier On Pledge and Education/Training Partner representatives from many industries – including veterans moving interstate. Soldier On has since heard from many company representatives that they had met with a number of attendees and already organised meetings for interviews or discussions about future opportunities for 2020 and beyond. We look forward to hearing the results from these meetings and wish everyone the best of luck. Our Education Partners were well represented with both Uni SA and Flinders Uni in attendance highlighting the veterans support programs for study for 2020, which were well received by all attendees. We also trialled a ‘wellbeing’ space and invited the teams from Open Arms, Kookaburra Kids, and StoryRight to provide further information about ‘wellness’ services. Having these Ex-Service Organisations (ESO’s) on site provided attendees a safe environment for conversations about additional support/resources that is accessible during their transition and into the future. Soldier On would like to thank the Pledge Companies and Education Partners in attendance for their support of the veteran community and look forward to running more Pathways Networking Events in the future to showcase the opportunities and support available to Australian veterans and their families in South Australia later in the year.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2020
Mini Family Ties Weekend The first Mini Family Ties Weekend for Soldier On was provided to families to strengthen family bonds and to take a break away as a family to spend some quality time together at the Phillip Island Coastal Discovery Camp.
VIC
The weekend was designed to provide an opportunity for families to come together and participate in a range of group sessions, fun activities and team building exercises and providing them with the tools for staying connected in the future. The highlight of the weekend was surfing, and the Melbourne weather didn’t fail us and brought sunshine along with some big smiles from those catching a wave or two. A big thank you to the YCW Patriotic fund and the amazing staff at the YMCA Discovery Camp for supporting this program. “We all really enjoyed our weekend. My guys loved a new outdoors area to tackle. I loved that they were so entertained. We all loved the water activities. Now my kids all want wetsuits so we can go to the beach more. I’ve always been too nervous to take them to the beach by myself. But I think I might be able to do it now after the weekend.... maybe. It was all really enjoyable. Thanks guys” – Participant
Fishing Charter Soldier On participants got to experience the first ever Fishing Charter Activity in Victoria on Port Phillip Bay. The participants and their families reeled in several fish throughout the day. Although most were too small to bring back with us the lucky ones got to eat their catch on the boat and take some home with them. It was a great day had by all and a perfect opportunity to bring together current and ex-serving veterans and their families.
Serving On - One Voice In February Soldier On successfully completed their second Serving On project for 2020, with One Voice. The Serving On project took place on 40 acres at the bottom of the Macedon Ranges, which is about an hour out of Melbourne. It was an extremely productive day, the sun was shining which allowed us to complete some big tasks like moving tree branches, cleaning up and getting the veggie garden ready for planting, as well as moving some wooden planks.
A big thanks to Melbourne Fishing Charters for facilitating this activity and taking care of all the important things like lunch and putting bait on our hooks.
Soldier On would like to thank our members who came and helped, as well as the volunteers from BAE Systems who all did an amazing job in volunteering their time for such a worthy cause.
“I enjoyed doing something I love with other veterans and their families and enjoying the experience together.” – Participant.
We look forward to completing similar projects in the future for worthy causes. #sidebyside
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Activities Updates
WA Girls of Courage In early March, a group of 10 high school students head to Walpole WA for the Girls of Courage Course. Soldier On assisted in the development of this program, which was designed specifically for teenagers who are either daughters of defence families or students keen to join the ADF. The result was that the young ladies had a safe place to discuss the uniqueness of life in a military family and ways to be resilient, confident team leaders. Outward Bound Australia facilitated the program and when this magazine went to print, they were on day five of an experience that has seen rock climbing, tree hopping, camping in sand dunes, rafting on the ocean and cooking in the rain. All whilst working together to support each other through the tough times without phones and modern distractions. Pretty good experience to get set to head back to the world as we know it right now! “The course is going great. The weather hasn’t been quite as cooperative, but the girls have thoroughly enjoyed it despite the rain. The program facilitators are brilliant, and I would highly recommend this organisation for any future programs you may be thinking of running. One more night before we head home after lunch tomorrow. It’s been a great experience. Many thanks for your generous support of this program.” Claire – Defence School Mentor at Apollo Bay College
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2020
Community Fundraisers
12th Annual Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Charity Match Sergeant Matthew Locke MG was with the Australian Special Air Service Regiment when he was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2007. The annual football charity match is a way for his family, friends and community to come together and honour his memory while raising money for charity. In 2020 the 12th annual charity match was played in Bellingen early March, with Army Thunder and the Bellingen Magpies once again going head-to-head in memory of a brother, son, family man, friend, and career soldier, to raise funds for The Grub Club and Soldier On. The Grub Club was set up by Matthew’s sister, Debbie,
who founded the charity in honour of Matthew to continue his work of doing good for others, saying, “Matt was deployed to East Timor in 2001 and when he came back he kept saying how he wished the Timorese people had the same chance at life and the same freedoms we have in Australia.” So far The Grub Club has paid for volunteer teachers to be trained and for a school facility to be built. Our Joint Patrons, Their Excellencies General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and Mrs Linda Hurley attended the match, as they have done so for a number of years, and were delighted to meet the players and local veterans, and once again spent time with Sergeant Locke’s family and friends. Soldier On is honoured to once again be supported by the Locke family through the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match and the other events held in honour of “a top bloke”. #sidebyside
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Our Corporate Partners Soldier On are grateful for the support of so many Corporate partners and sponsors. Please see below for the organisations that provide vital funding that keeps Solder On and its support alive.
Principal Partners
In Kind Supporters Minter Ellison
KPMG
Gerald Slaven VW
Sporting partners Giants
Principal In-Kind Partners
Champions Harbour Trust
Concord Official and exclusive airline partner
St Kilda
Club Lime or Viva Leisure
Champions The Good Guys Tallagandra Hill Winery Christine Shaw Properties
Australian Military Bank Throttle Media Smack! Design
With special thanks
Major Partners
Howarth Foundation Victorian Veterans Council Victorian Government WA Government Count Charitable Foundation ANZAC Day Trust Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Toronto Motor Yacht Club Surfing Australia Nudie Juice
Cwa Journal Partner
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SOLDIER ON  Autumn 2020
Kirra SLC Manly Surf School Geoffrey Michael Crossfit Currumbin Outward Bound Australia Sally Bromley Calypso Fishing Adventures Path of the Horse RSL Active (Vic) Active Body Conditioning
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