Honour the dead, but fight like hell for the living.
It’s the motto of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, and one that the Melbourne West sub-branch takes seriously.
Sub-branch secretary and welfare officer Ray Matthew says it’s important for contemporary veterans who have served in the likes of Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor to be aware that counselling services are not only available to Vietnam veterans.
“Veterans from all battles experience similar psychological, physical and emotional issues that we experienced in the 1960s after Vietnam,” Mr Matthew said. “They could be reluctant because they see it as a weakness to … admit they’re experiencing a problem, or many are still serving and feel it could set limitations on their career.”
He said age could be an issue in acknowledging a problem. “When you’re younger, you’re bullet-proof,” he said. “As you get older, you realise you’re not.”
A drop-in centre, operating from the Central Park Community Centre in Hoppers Crossing, is open between 9am and 1pm every Wednesday and hosts a barbecue lunch for veterans and their families.
Welfare officers are available by appointment at the centre between 9am and 1pm on Wednesdays. Pension officers are available by appointment at Werribee RSL Monday and Tuesday mornings.
