Finding reassurance through DVA Advocacy

Getting behind the wheel

When Noel McKay was called up for National Service in 1967, he thought he’d be spending his Army days behind a desk. 

“My recruit training was at Kapooka in New South Wales. From there I went to Puckapunyal in Victoria to complete a clerical course,” he recalls. 

“However, after arriving we were told the course wasn’t available, so they decided to make us drivers instead of clerks.” 

The sudden change of direction sent Noel to Victoria, where he spent three months completing his driver training at the RAASC Centre in Bonegilla. By March 1968, he was transferred to Brisbane, stationed at 1 Military Hospital in Yeronga. 

“I was driving staff cars, trucks and ambulances,” he says.  

When his service days ended in 1969, Noel transitioned back into civilian life and eventually settled in the Darling Downs region.  

However, he also grappled with an ongoing medical condition sustained through his service, driving him to Queensland’s veteran community for support. 

Discovering advocacy support when it was needed most 

Navigating the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims processes can sometimes be a little daunting, but Noel decided to reach out to RSL Queensland for advice. 

The call would turn out to be a turning point, as he discovered that there was free, tailored support available through RSL Queensland’s DVA Advocacy program. 

“While I was not a member of the RSL, I needed advice on my medical condition, so I phoned to make an appointment,” he says. 

“At this stage, I had no idea about advocacy support services – I didn’t know they existed.” 

During his phone call, Noel discovered that RSL Queensland provides free DVA advocacy services to veterans across the state. 

He decided to give it a try, and was connected with Maddern, an experienced compensation advocate. Maddern assisted Noel with compiling information for his claim, then submitting and tracking it, keeping Noel informed throughout the process. 

For Noel, it made a world of difference. 

“The program was extremely helpful. I was extremely impressed that there is such a good system in place to look after Defence personnel who served their country,” he says. 

Noel’s experience was made even better by Maddern’s personable approach to her work, which left a lasting impression. 

“My advocate was extremely helpful and professional in all that she did. She kept me informed on a regular basis. I would give her a 10 out of 10,” he says. 

After a positive outcome with his claim, thanks to Maddern’s help, Noel now encourages other veterans to seek support if they need it. 

“I would recommend the service because of the way they handled my case. It’s reassuring that this system exists.”