When catastrophic fires threatened his six‑acre property near Seymour, CFA volunteer and Vietnam veteran Jeff Swain (pictured) knew the risks all too well. He evacuated with his dog, Geordie, but heartbreakingly had to leave behind his sheep, including a lamb he’d raised by hand.

By the next day, Jeff’s worst fears were realised: his home and sheds were destroyed, and most of his livestock were lost – but amazingly, the lamb survived.

Despite everything, Jeff didn’t really think to ask for help, feeling that there were many people in greater need than him.

However, RSL Victoria heard about Jeff’s situation and their staff were able to find him emergency accommodation that could also take Geordie, until more permanent housing could be found.

Staff from our Veteran Services team are in regular contact with RSL Victoria and when they found out about Jeff needing longer-term accommodation, they were able to provide a suitable unit in our Ex-Service Accommodation (ESA). With the bushfire taking just about everything he owned, Jeff is being supported by Box Hill RSL and the Vietnam Veterans Association Australia (Vic) to replace essential furniture while his insurance claim is finalised.

“The assistance I received made all the difference to me,” Jeff said. “It is veterans helping other veterans get back on their feet.”

“For me it was a strange situation to be in,” Jeff added. “I had spent so many years with the RSL raising money and making sure that other people got taken care of, it had never really occurred to me that I would be on the receiving end of support like this.”