RSL Sub Branches' routine operations (like all community based organisations) have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
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Most Sub Branch members fit the profile for the vulnerable category when it comes to this virus so Sub Branch meetings in NSW have been on hold for several months.
With clear guidelines for social distancing at venues now in place, many RSL Sub Branches are returning to their pre-pandemic meeting schedule.
Nambucca Heads RSL Sub Branch will recommence its Sub Branch Monthly Meetings on Tuesday July 21 at 3.30pm at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club. The RSL Club management has enacted specific social distancing protocols and Sub Branch members can be confident that necessary precautions are considered.
The Bowraville RSL Sub Branch will hold its meeting at Bowraville Ex-Services Club on Tuesday July 14 at 10am and they look forward to seeing as many of their members as possible.
COVID restrictions permitting, Stuarts Point RSL Sub-Branch will have its next meeting on Monday August 3 at 6pm at the Stuarts Point Bowling Club.
The Macksville RSL Sub Branch is hopeful it will resume regular meetings on Friday August 14 at 4pm, taking place at the Macksville Ex-Services Club.
If I have not mentioned the RSL Sub Branch in your area and you are interested in finding out when they are resuming meetings then please make contact with your Sub Branch and ask for meeting information.
Please note the situation regarding COVID-19 restrictions can change at any time and scheduled meetings could be cancelled at short notice. Please ensure you do not attend your Sub Branch meeting if you, or members of your household, are experiencing any cold or flu like symptoms.
On a different topic, you now have an opportunity to provide feedback about your dealings with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
DVA is asking veterans and their families to provide their views on how the ex-service community is consulted and engaged, and how this can be improved. DVA's National Consultation Framework has been in place since 2009 and is reviewed every three years in consultation with the ex-service community.
As part of this review process, DVA is inviting veterans and their families to participate in a survey. This survey focuses on the effectiveness of current mechanisms for consultation between DVA and the ex-serving community, as well as ways to improve them for the future.
Further information on the review, including participating in the survey, is available on the DVA website. The survey will be available until July 26 with the final report expected to be completed in late 2020. I urge the veteran community on the Mid North Coast to take this opportunity to inform DVA.
Also from DVA, support for veteran health and well-being has been strengthened with the introduction of a free online suicide prevention training program, delivered in partnership with Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling and the Returned and Services League of Australia.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Darren Chester, said Suicide Prevention Start is available to anyone who has contact with, or supports the veteran community.
"Suicide is a national tragedy that affects many of us and this free, self-paced program provides practical guidance on the signs that someone may be contemplating suicide, and how to connect them to help and support," Mr Chester said.
"Providing access to this free online training is an example of our commitment to improving the mental health and well-being of our veterans and their families, and I encourage all those in the ex-service community to complete this potentially life-saving training."
Delivered in two 90-minute sessions, the online training is open to all current and former ADF members with one day continuous full-time service, their family members and anyone who has contact with or supports the veteran community.
In addition to Suicide Prevention Start, Open Arms has also developed a suite of introductory online training options that includes, Doing Anger Differently, Understanding Anxiety, Recovery from Trauma, and Managing Pain. For more information on Open Arms programs and services, visit www.openarms.gov.au or call 1800 011-046.
