The Gap RSL Sub Branch

The Gap Sub-Branch RSL

Shoulder to shoulder, Always

Prevention of mental health issues, especially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide have long been a major concern in the Veteran community. These concerns have been accentuated by mental health problems in the general community at large arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In February last year the Prime Minister, The Hon Scott Morrison MP, announced the creation of a new National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention. This announcement recognises that too many Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans take their own lives, and that serious action is needed to ensure that everything possible is done to prevent these deaths.

The National Commissioner will work closely with coroners to support a better mutual understanding of the systemic issues, trends and relevant risk factors

The key to the success of an exercise such as this are the insights, stories and understanding about the impact of the loss of a loved one suffered by the families and others that are left behind. In other words,family involvement will be critical.

Drawing on these experiences will help the National Commissioner to develop future preventative strategies. Participation by affected families will be entirely voluntary.

The response to the concept of a National Commissioner has been so great that the Prime Minister has announced a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. It is still being established but already widespread feedback has been received.

In the meantime the Office of the National Commissioner continues to hear stories from families, serving and exserving members who have been affected by defence member and veteran deaths by suicide.

The Gap RSL SubBranch is totally supportive of all these moves and is itself investigating a project to install a memorial plaque in the Glen Affric St Memorial Gardens as a gesture of support to those loved ones left behind following a suicide , just as we do to those lost in active service

If discussion of these topics cause concern to anyone, they are encouraged to contact The Gap SubBranch. Support agencies are available.

Quote of the Day

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. - Mark Twain