* 1 September 2024 *
Happy Anniversary Vasey RSL Care!
We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary throughout the year with a variety of events and activities.
There has been a lot of ‘water under the bridge’ since Vasey RSL Care came into being on 6 July 2004. There have been highs and lows over these two decades – some trying times balanced out by some great achievements, as our organisation and wider community respond to the changing needs of veterans, war widows, their families and the wider Victorian population.
Those who follow us on social media will have been enjoying seeing ‘20 Years over 20 Days’! It’s very moving to be reminded of all the people who have been part of this journey – many sadly no longer with us. And in another twenty years, (whether or not we are around to see it!) I am confident that Vasey RSL Care will be ‘Continuing the Mission’, standing up for the veteran community, and working to improve lives.
Aged Care Employee Day – 7 August
A large proportion of the Vasey RSL Care staff are employed to support our aged care residents at Brighton, Brighton East, Bundoora and Frankston South, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays!
Our staff deserve to be appreciated every day – not just on Aged Care Employee Day – but this is a day when we stop to take note of the caring work they do, the passion they bring to their roles, and the commitment they have to each individual in our care.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day – 18 August
Vietnam Veterans are the largest cohort of veterans supported by Vasey RSL Care, in all of our services. Over 60,000 young Australian men fought in Vietnam and more than 500 paid with their lives. A further 3,000 were known casualties of the Vietnam War. However, an unknown number are invisible casualties, bearing mental scars of the horrors of this long conflict.
It’s important that we acknowledge the difficult time that these men had and recognise the challenges they and their families have faced over the past 50+ years. We owe it to them to give them the respect they deserve, provide care and support needed, and show our deep appreciation for their service to our nation.
Our Advocacy Continues
The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program has been running for six months: the fact that all apartments are occupied demonstrates the need for this unique program. Program participants have experienced a variety of issues that have led them to need this service – issues that are not easily resolved. We admire and applaud each V Centre veteran for the work they are doing, encouraged and supported by our staff and the many support services partnering with us to deliver the Program.
I get to The V Centre regularly and have got to know some of the veterans: it’s wonderful to see positive change taking place in these people, given the right environment and the right support.
We had belief in the capability of The V Centre to change lives and we are now seeing that happening.
We continue to advocate to government at all levels for their financial support, and with our new Sponsorship and Fundraising Officer, Kylie Dick, now on board, we will be developing our fundraising strategy to support the ongoing functioning of The V Centre and other aspects of our Strategic Plan.
Royal Commission Final Report
The final report and recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide are due for release on 9 September.
This is a difficult topic that requires careful and considered responses: it has touched many in our community and if you need support during this time, please make sure you reach out to those around you, to the services available, to friends, family or other supports.
Janna Voloshin,
Chief Executive Officer